Efficient removal of VOCs enabled by triboelectric-photocatalytic coupling effect

Atmospheric pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a global environmental issue and has become a significant factor limiting the sustainable development of the ecological environment. Photocatalytic technology, with its unique advantages, shows broad application prospects in the field of VOCs treatment. The combination of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) and photocatalytic technology has made groundbreaking progress in environmental remediation and energy conversion. This integration not only utilizes TENG’s advantages in energy harvesting and electrostatic adsorption but also overcomes the limitations of traditional photocatalytic technology, achieving efficient degradation in low-light environments. This review summarizes the development of triboelectric-photocatalytic systems, explores the rational design of TENGs for photocatalytic systems, and the triboelectric-photocatalytic coupling effect are systematically analyzed. Importantly, the application of triboelectric-photocatalytic systems in the efficient removal of VOCs is highlighted, covering areas such as duct exhaust purification, unorganized exhaust treatment, and indoor air purification within microenvironments. Furthermore, the challenges that triboelectric-photocatalytic systems face in future development are also discussed, offering valuable insights to guide researchers in exploring their potential for broader applications in pollution control. [Display omitted] •Design strategies for photocatalytic-triboelectric materials have been systematically summarized.•The structural design of TENGs in triboelectric-photocatalytic systems across different scenarios has been analyzed.•The advantages of the triboelectric-photocatalytic coupling effect have been elucidated.•The current status and future challenges of triboelectric-photocatalytic technology for VOCs removal have been explored.