Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as promising technologies for harvesting ambient mechanical energy, offering potential applications in micro-power systems and self-powered sensing. However, reliance on non-biodegradable synthetic polymers in conventional TENGs raises environmental concerns. This study introduces a sustainable approach to fabricate fully bio-based TENGs using whole biomass aerogels derived from wood powder, processed through dissolution and regeneration in a concentrated calcium bromide solution. To tailor and enhance triboelectric performance, natural polysaccharides bearing electron-donating (e.g., chitosan with amino groups) and electron-withdrawing (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose with carboxyl groups) functionalities were incorporated into the aerogel matrix. When paired with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the counter triboelectric layer, the resulting composite aerogels exhibited tunable and enhanced output performance. This work presents a green and effective approach for developing high-performance, biodegradable TENGs, advancing the field of sustainable energy harvesting and self-powered sensing.
