Tiny generators convert ocean wave energy into electricity with 117% efficiency

Ocean wave energy researchers have developed advanced triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that efficiently convert low-frequency wave energy into electricity. The Beijing team created six innovative designs enhancing power output and adaptability to marine environments, including solid-solid contact, spherical architectures, and hybrid systems. These TENGs achieve 117% power-conversion efficiency in real waves, with some designs reaching volumetric power densities above 600 W m-3—a thousand times more efficient than early prototypes. This breakthrough could enable self-sustaining power solutions for marine regions.