Tribo-Energy&Sensing
Contact: TES2026@tribo-energy-sensing.se

Tribo-Energy&sensing 2026

Date: 2026.01.20-2026.01.21

Place: IVA Conference Centre at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) in the city centre of Stockholm, Sweden.

Address: Grev Turegatan 16, Stockholm, Sweden

Website:http://tribo-energy-sensing.se/

Registration: press here!

Tribo‑Energy & Sensing (TE&S) 2026 is an international, two-day conference focused on the science, engineering, and applications of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with a strong emphasis on their intersection with tribology, energy harvesting, sensing, and real-world applications.

New abstract submission deadline: 2025-12-15

Abstract send to: TES2026@tribo-energy-sensing.se
black and silver analog watch

Call for papers

Abstract submission deadline: 2025-12-15

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 (before 2025-12-01, academic / industry): Academic 4,000 SEK; Industry 6,000 SEK

·       Regular (academic / industry): Academic 5,000 SEK; Industry 7,000 SEK

·       Student rate (with a valid student ID): 2,500 SEK

·       Conference dinner (optional ticket): 750 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.

Plenary speakers

Introducing the dedicated professionals behind Tribo-Energy&Sensing 2026.

Prof. Daniele Dini

Fellow of the Royal Academy Engineering, Imperial College, UK

Presentation title: Energy Harvesting through Triboelectrification: A Journey from Fundamentals to Devices

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Max Marian

Institute of Machine Design and Tribology (IMKT), Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.

Presentation title: Layered and 2D Materials for Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Prof. Sohini Kar-Narayan

 Fellow of the Royal Academy Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK

Presentation title: Self‑Powered and Adaptive Tactile Systems: Bridging Human and Robotic Touch

Dr. Daniil Yurchenko

Head of Dynamics Group at ISVR, University of Southampton, UK.

Presentation title: Maximising Energy Output from Triboelectric Harvesters Through Optimisation

Prof. Andris Šutka

Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, Riga Technical University, Latvia, 

Presentation title: Mechanisms of polymer contact electrification: charge species and driving force

Prof. Philippe Basset

 Director of  ESYCOM lab (Univ Gustave Eiffel / CNRS UMR 9007), Univ Gustave Eiffel / ESIEE Paris, France.

Presentation title: Power management system for high-efficiency triboelectric nanogenerators 

Dr. Giuseppina Pace

 National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), Italy.

Presentation title: Enhancing Power Output of Triboelectric Nanogenerators through Electrode Engineering and Materials Integration 

Prof. Nuria Espallargas

 NTNU leader of the Gemini Centre “Tribology”, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.

Presentation title: Tribocorrosion and Multidegradation – Key but Neglected Wear Mechanisms in the Green Energy Transition

Prof. Federico Rosei 

 Chair of Industrial Chemistry, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy.

Presentation title: Energy Challenges from a materials perspective

Prof. Laurence Marks (Laurie)

 Fellow, American Physical Society, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, USA.

Presentation title: Is triboelectricity confused, confusing or complex?

Conference Scientific Committee

Prof. Sohini Kar-Narayan

 Fellow of the Royal Academy Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK

Dr. Ana Borras

Tenured scientist at the Spanish National Research Council, Spain.

Prof. Andris Šutka

Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, Riga Technical University, Latvia, 

Dr Peter C. Sherrell 

Senior Vice Chancellor's Research Fellow, RMIT University, Australia.

Prof. Sang-Woo KIM

 YONSEI World-Class Fellow Professor, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea.

Prof. Xudong Wang

Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA

Prof. Daniele Dini

Fellow of the Royal Academy Engineering, Imperial College , UK

Prof. Quanshui Zheng

Founding Director of Center for Nano and Micro Mechanics (CNMM), Tsinghua University, P.R. China

Dr. Carlos Garcia Nuñez

 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), University of Glasgow, UK.

Prof. Philippe Basset

 Director of  ESYCOM lab (Univ Gustave Eiffel / CNRS UMR 9007), Univ Gustave Eiffel / ESIEE Paris, France.

Conference Chair 

Prof. Roland Larsson

Chair, Luleå University of Technology, specializing in tribology and nanogenerator technologies.

Prof. Zhong Lin Wang

Chair, Georgia Institute of Technology and Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, pioneer in nanogenerator research.

Prof. Yijun Shi

Associate Chair, Luleå University of Technology, expert in tribology and triboelectric sensing systems.

Prof. Baodong Chen

Associate Chair, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, expert in TENG-based self-powered systems.

Conference Organizing Committee

Prof. Andreas Larsson

Luleå University of Technology, Sweden.

Assoc. Prof. Renyun Zhang

Mid Sweden University, Sweden.

Prof. Yijun Shi

 Luleå University of Technology, Sweden.
Event Agenda

Program overview 
Day 1 - January 20, 2026

Opening remarks, plenary, and presentations.

Plenary session 1

Session Chair: Yijun Shi

08:30 – 08:40: Opening Remarks: Roland Larsson

08:40 – 09:20: Zhong Lin Wang — Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) for sustainable energy and sensing

09:20 – 10:10: Sohini Kar-Narayan — Self‑Powered and Adaptive Tactile Systems: Bridging Human and Robotic Touch

10:10 – 10:30: Coffee Break

Plenary session 2

Session Chair: Zhong Lin Wang

10:30 – 11:10: Federico Rosei — Energy Challenges from a Materials Perspective

11:10 – 11:50: Nuria Espallargas — Tribocorrosion and Multidegradation – Key but Neglected Wear Mechanisms in the Green Energy Transition

11:50 – 13:00: Lunch

Plenary session 3 

Session Chair: Laurence Marks

13:00 – 13:40: Giuseppina Pace — Enhancing Power Output through Electrode Engineering

13:40 – 14:20: Max Marian — Layered and 2D Materials for Triboelectric Nanogenerators

 14:20 – 15:00: Coffee Break

 15:00 – 17:30: Parallel sessions: Symposiums A-D

18:30: Conference Dinner
Day 2 - January 21, 2026

Plenary, presentations, and a close talk.

Plenary session 4

Session Chair: Roland Larsson

09:00 – 09:40: Daniele Dini — Energy Harvesting through Triboelectrification: A Journey from Fundamentals to Devices


09:40 – 10:20: Daniil Yurchenko — Maximising Energy Output from Triboelectric Harvesters Through Optimisation

10:20 – 10:40: Coffee Break

Plenary session 5

Session Chair: Sohini Kar-Narayan

10:40 – 11:20: Laurence Marks — Is triboelectricity confused, confusing or complex?

11:20 – 12:00: Andris Šutka — Mechanisms of polymer contact electrification

12:00 – 13:00: Lunch

Plenary session 6

Session Chair: Carlos Garcia Nunez

13:00 – 13:40: Philippe Basset — Power management system for high-efficiency TENGs

13:40 – 14:20: Roland Larsson — Multi-scale numerical simulation of tribological components

 14:20 – 15:00: Coffee Break

 15:00 – 17:10: Parallel sessions: Symposiums E-H

17:10: Closing Remarks & End of Conference

Zhonglin Wang

Parallel sessions 
Day 1 - January 20, 2026

Symposiums A-D

Symposium A

Theme: Fundamentals of Contact Electrification & Interfacial Charge Transfer

Session Chairs: Xia Cao, Qijun Sun

15:00–15:30— Zhibin Zhang (Invited talk)

TENG-based Neuromorphic tactile Systems: Sensing and Learning

15:30–15:50 — Di Wei

Regulation of the electrical double layer: Contact-electro-chemistry

15:50–16:10 — Mohamed A. Helal

The changes in the molecular orbitals of triboelectric materials due to structural distortion

16:10–16:30 — Sera JEON

In-operando electrical characterization of triboelectric nanogenerators

16:30–16:50 — Oli Prendergast

Taking Charge off Droplets

16:50–17:10 Natalia Vargas Perdomo

From hands-on TENGs to Li–S batteries: low-cost platforms for learning and exploration

17:10–17:30 Ivan Garcia-Nieto

Hofmeister series driven regulation of the electrical double layer in eutectogels for enhanced single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerators

18:30: Conference Dinner

Symposium B

Theme: Materials & Structural Design for High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Session Chairs: Weiguo Hu, Di Wei

15:00–15:30 — Magnus Norgren (Invited Speaker)

Synergistic Structural Effects in Nanocellulose Papers for TENGs

15:30–15:50 — Natarajan Gnanaseelan

Incorporation of MXene into polyvinylidene fluoride and its effect on tribological and triboelectrical  properties

15:50–16:10 — Gloria P. Moreno

Adamantane plasma polymer: a vacuum-processed thin film for all-triboelectric nanogenerator configurations

16:10–16:30 — Stefano Stassi

Three-dimensional printing of triboelectric nanogenerators by digital light processing technique for mechanical energy harvesting

16:30–16:50 — Luis Bartolom.

From Pores to Power: Intrusion–Extrusion Triboelectric Nanogenerators

16:50–17:10 — Samantha Roggiani

Tribovoltaic effect in metal-semiconductor coupling: design and optimization of the set-up and investigation of the Al-Si tribo-pair

17:10–17:30 —Arpit Singh

Unravelling the fabrication of ZnO ceramics via laser micro-3D printing for hybrid piezo–tribo energy harvesting

18:30: Conference Dinner

Symposium C

Theme: Devices & Applications of Triboelectric Energy and Sensing

Session Chairs: Renyun Zhang

15:00–15:20 — Jianjun Luo

High-performance triboelectric nanogenerators and self-powered intelligent sports systems

15:20–15:40 — Andreia T. Pereira

Biocompatible energy harvesting platforms for in-body applications

15:40–16:00 — Chen Wang

Pendulum-structured hybrid wave energy harvester with triboelectric and electromagnetic generators for efficient low-frequency energy

16:00–16:20 — Hari Krishna Mishra

Hybrid energy harvesting from mechanical and thermal stimuli for sustainable energy sensing on soft template

16:20–16:40 — Mustafa Eginligil

Influence of material surface and intrinsic properties on performance of polymers-based TENGs

16:40–17:00 — Michael McKinlay

Development of self-powered tribophotonic devices for electro-optical modulation

17:00–17:20 — Libo Chen

Neuromorphic sensory systems for biomedical applications

18:30: Conference Dinner

Symposium D

Theme: Tribology, Lubrication & Mechanical Interactions in Triboelectric Systems

Session Chairs: Chenhui Zhang, Stefano Stassi

15:00–15:30 — Guoxin Xie (Invited speaker)

Intelligent self-lubricating composites with core-shell micro/nanoparticles

15:30–15:50 — Chi Zhang

Tribovoltaic effect and self-powered intelligent bearing

15:50–16:10 — Braham Prakash

High temperature tribology

16:10–16:30 — Liangliang “Paul” Huang

Interfacial Water as a Hidden Design Variable in Ionic and Tribological Systems: Insights from Multiscale Simulation

16:30–16:50 — Ning Wu

Ferroelectric-controlled friction at β-phase PVDF/graphene interfaces

16:50–17:10 — Di Yang

Study on the friction-reduction and anti-wear design of silicon-based triboelectric nanogenerator

18:30: Conference Dinner
Day 2 - January 21, 2026

Symposiums E-H

Symposium E

Theme: Fundamentals of Contact Electrification & Interfacial Charge Transfer

Session Chairs: Zhibin Zhang, Cristina Rusu

15:00–15:30 — Xia Cao (Invited speaker)

From the discovery of power generation via collision to electra-electric induction

15:30–15:50 — Wei Tang

Investigations on contact-electro-catalysis mechanisms and applications

15:50–16:10 — Rovi Villaos

The influence of humidity and gas types on the performance of triboelectric nanogenerator

16:10–16:30 — Yawar Abbas

Scalable exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride for triboelectric nanogenerators in selfpowered environmental monitoring

16:30–16:50 — Ziming Wang

Contact-electro-catalysis (CEC)

16:50–17:10 — Divya Chauhan

Laser-induced graphene embedded electrospun PVDF–ZnO hybrid nanogenerator for enhanced piezo-tribo energy harvesting

17:10: Closing Remarks & End of Conference

Symposium F

Theme: Materials & Structural Design for High-Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Session Chairs: Magnus Norgren

15:00–15:30 — Weiguo Hu (Invited speaker)

Super-stretchable organogel ionic conductor for energy harvesting and multi-mode wearable sensing

15:30–15:50 — Renyun Zhang

From fundamentals to engineering sustainable triboelectric materials: a brief review of cellulose platforms

15:50–16:10 — Jiaqi Zong

Ex-situ synthesised bacterial cellulose–Aloe Vera hydrogels for sustainable triboelectric energy harvesting

16:10–16:30 — Navaneeth Madathil

Enhancing triboelectric nanogenerators performance with MXenes – a leap forward in energy harvesting and touch-sensitive technologies

16:30–16:50 — Xianye Li

Three-dimensional chiral networks and networking strategies for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators in blue energy harvesting

16:50–17:10 — Cristina Rusu

Folded Triboelectric Energy Harvester for Smart Tires

17:10: Closing Remarks & End of Conference

Symposium G

Theme: Devices & Applications of Triboelectric Energy and Sensing

Session Chairs: Daniel M. Mulvihill

15:00–15:20 — Michael McKinlay

Tribotronic modulation of semiconductor devices through contact-electrification field-effect transistors

15:20–15:40 — Qijun Sun

Tribopotential Modulated Field Effect Transistor and Interactive Neuromorphic Transistors

15:40–16:00 — Steven Zhang

A self-powered soft triboelectric-electrohydraulic pump

16:00–16:20 — Zijie Xu

Self-powered intelligent fluid dynamics sensing system

16:20–16:40 — Yudi Wei

An antifouling hydrogel-based flexible TENG for wearable motion and voice recognition

17:10: Closing Remarks & End of Conference

Symposium H

Theme: Tribology, Lubrication & Mechanical Interactions in Triboelectric Systems

Session Chairs: Guoxin Xie

15:00–15:30 — Chenhui Zhang (Invited Speaker)

The adsorbing and shearing behavior of hydrated ions and hydration lubrication

15:30–15:50 — Song Wang

Multifunctional smart tribovoltaic coating integrating ultra-wear-resistant, self-lubricating, and self-driven in-situ sensing

15:50–16:10 — Xiong Pu

Tribovoltaic nanogenerators at contact-separation mode

16:10–16:30 — Zhipeng Wu

Lignin-based gel networks as high-performance and sustainable lubricants

16:30–16:50 — Daniel M. Mulvihill

Tribology and testing of triboelectric nanogenerators

17:10: Closing Remarks & End of Conference

Accommodation

·       The IVA Conference Centre is located near Stureplan and Östermalm (Grev Turegatan 16). Several convenient hotels within walking distance have been identified; the organizers recommend that attendees book early. Suggested hotels (various price tiers) have been added below with brief notes on proximity to the venue and typical amenities.

o   Mornington Hotel Stockholm (Nybrogatan) — boutique, mid-range, short walk to IVA.

o   Scandic Anglais (Humlegårdsgatan) — well‑known business hotel, near Humlegården and a short walk to IVA.

o   Nobis Hotel (Norrmalmstorg) — design/luxury hotel in the city centre, close to Stureplan.

o   Hotel Riddargatan (Riddargatan) — charming boutique hotel very near the venue.

o   Hotel Diplomat (Strandvägen) — upscale waterfront hotel (a longer scenic walk or short taxi ride).

o   Berns Hotel (Näckströmsgatan) — historic hotel with central location near Stureplan.

Travel & local transport

·       Nearest airports: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) — approx. 40–50 minutes to central Stockholm by Arlanda Express (fast train), airport buses, or taxi. Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) is closer for some domestic flights.

·       By train: Stockholm Central Station is within short taxi/public transport distance of IVA; local buses and the metro (Tunnelbana) serve the city centre.

·       Public transport: Single‑journey and multi-day SL tickets are valid on buses, metro, and commuter trains. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available.

Visa & invitation letters

·       If you require an official invitation letter for a visa or institutional travel approvals, please contact the organizers at the conference email. Allow sufficient time for visa processing.

Accessibility & special needs

·       IVA facilities are accessible; please indicate any accessibility requirements (dietary, mobility, interpretation) during registration so the organizers can provide assistance.

·       Food allergies & dietary restrictions: The conference catering team will offer clearly labelled meal options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free). During registration, attendees must indicate any food allergies or special dietary needs (e.g., nut allergy, shellfish, sesame, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan). The organizers will communicate all declared allergies to the caterer and request strict handling to minimise cross-contamination.

Local information

·       Organizers will publish up-to-date travel advisories, local safety information and any public‑health guidance on the conference website. Attendees are responsible for following national entry requirements and recommended health guidance at the time of travel.