TENG-Based Wearable Sensors for Continuous Self-Powered Health Monitoring

Against the backdrop of advancements in the Internet of Things and smart healthcare, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have demonstrated notable capabilities in converting low-frequency mechanical energy—such as human respiration, pulse, and gait—into electrical energy. By coupling triboelectric charging with electrostatic induction, TENGs have evolved into a functional technology for integrated self-powering and sensing. In recent years, TENG-based physiological signal detection has undergone significant development, transitioning from single-signal monitoring to multimodal integration and from laboratory prototypes to systems with practical utility. This paper systematically reviews the core working principles and theoretical models of TENGs, focusing on their applications in wearable physiological parameter acquisition. It summarizes technical developments in material innovation, structural optimization, and system integration. Finally, the paper outlines future directions addressing challenges such as energy density and environmental interference, aiming to provide systematic guidance for advancing this field from fundamental research toward robust, high-performance wearable health monitoring systems. © 2026 The Author(s). Advanced Sensor Research published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.