Call for papers
Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG)
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are an emerging
energy-harvesting technology that converts mechanical energy — typically from
contact, friction, or motion at interfaces, e.g., vibrations, rotation, human activity, or
natural environmental forces — into electricity by exploiting
triboelectrification (charge transfer between surfaces) and electrostatic
induction. Their scientific significance lies in extending classical
electrodynamics by introducing the concept of motion-induced displacement
current, which advances the understanding of contact electrification and
mechano-electrical energy conversion at micro- and nanoscales. TENGs also
provide a versatile research platform for exploring interfacial charge
transfer, frictional phenomena, and coupling between mechanical deformation and
electronic processes, inspiring new fields such as tribotronics and
contact-electro-catalysis.
Tribology
Tribology is the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion — covering
friction, wear, lubrication, contact mechanics, and surface engineering. It
addresses how surfaces degrade, how lubricants and coatings modify interfacial
processes, and how to design for durability and low energy loss.
Conjuncting
TENGs and Tribology
Triboelectric phenomena originate at contacting surfaces, so
tribological properties (surface chemistry, roughness, running‑in, wear, and
lubrication) critically influence TENG charge generation, stability, and
lifetime. Conversely, TENGs provide new sensors and energy sources for
monitoring tribological systems (e.g., self-powered friction, wear, or
condition sensors). TE&S 2026 emphasizes this bidirectional relationship:
using tribology to improve TENG performance and using TENGs to enable novel
tribological measurements and autonomous systems.
Scope
of the Conference
To further expand the science and
technology associated with TENG and its interaction with Tribology, we propose
to start a new conference series entitled of Tribo-Energy&Sensing
(TE&S). We invite original, high-quality
contributions describing novel research, demonstrations, and reviews.
Submissions that combine fundamental tribology with TENG device innovation,
real-world testing, and system-level demonstrations are especially welcome. The conference will bring together
scientists and engineers from both academia and industry.
The conference topics include, but
are not limited to:
TENG:
1.
Theory and fundamental science of TENG
2.
The physics of contact electrification in matter
3.
Contact-electro-catalysis: Using contact electrification to drive catalytic reactions
4.
The tribovoltaic effect: Contact-electrification phenomenon at semiconductor interfaces
5.
Tribotronics: Using triboelectric polarization to control electronic
devices
6.
Design, materials, and fabrication for TENG
7. Surface
engineering, coatings, and lubricants for TENG performance and durability
8.
Tribology‑driven optimization of TENGs (wear, friction, lifetime,
reliability)
Science and technology in tribology:
9.
Friction mechanisms and
friction reduction strategies
10.
Wear mechanisms, wear testing,
and quantification
11.
Lubrication science: boundary,
mixed, and elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL)
12.
Contact mechanics and surface
topography (roughness, texture, multi-scale contact)
13.
Tribo‑chemistry and tribo‑corrosion
14.
Design and formulation of
lubricants, greases, and additives (including bio-based lubricants)
15.
Surface coatings, tribological
thin films, and wear-resistant materials
16.
Tribological modelling,
multiscale simulations, and digital twins
Submission
types
(1) Abstracts (1-2 pages) — For late-breaking results, demos,
or early-stage work. Accepted extended abstracts will be included in the
conference booklet and designated sessions.
(2) Workshops / Tutorials / Special
sessions — Proposals (1–2 pages) describing
topic, format, target audience, expected number of participants, AV needs, and
proposed instructors/organizers.
(3) Industry application notes &
case studies — 2–4 page
practical reports focused on deployments, field testing, or industrial
adoption.
Presentations
Keynote speakers and invited talks
will be announced on the conference website. The program will include plenary
keynotes, invited presentations, oral sessions, poster sessions,
demonstrations, and networking events. There will also be a dedicated industry
track for applied developments and case studies.
Venue
& logistics
The conference will be hosted at the
IVA (Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences) headquarters in central
Stockholm. A conference dinner and networking reception are planned.
Participation
fees (proposed / placeholder)
·
Early‑bird
(academic / industry): TBD (suggested: Academic 2,500–3,500 SEK;
Industry 4,000–6,000 SEK)
·
Regular
(academic / industry): TBD (suggested: Academic 3,500–4,500 SEK;
Industry 5,000–7,000 SEK)
·
Student rate
(with valid student ID): TBD (suggested: 800–1,500 SEK)
·
Conference
dinner (optional ticket): TBD (suggested: 500–900 SEK)
Fees include
access to all technical sessions, coffee breaks, lunches, the conference
booklet, and electronic proceedings (where applicable). VAT may apply — final
pricing will include information on VAT and invoicing.
Registration
& payment
·
Registration
will be via the conference website. Payment methods: credit card, invoice (for
institutions), and bank transfer. Invoiced registrations will require an
invoicing address and a purchase order number.
·
Cancellation
policy (suggested): Full refund minus a small administration fee if cancelled
before a specified date (e.g., 30 days before); 50% refund up to 14 days
before; no refund within 14 days of the conference. Organizers may allow
substitutions.