Research Information System
HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER, vol.61, no.4, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Demands for sustainable and efficient energy solutions are increasing globally every day. This has led to significant advances in nanotechnology-based energy harvesting. Bubble Energy Nanogenerators (BuNGs) are one of the latest emerging technologies to convert the kinetic and potential energy of air bubbles in water into electrical energy. This review is based on a comprehensive review of theoretical principles, instability mechanisms, and recent technological developments in bubble-based nanogenerators, with a particular focus on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and hybrid nanogenerators. The article aims to critically evaluate bubble dynamics and stability by combining fundamental instability models, including Ledinegg, Taylor, and Henry instability theories, to improve the understanding of bubble-induced energy conversion. Additionally, advances in nanomaterial integration, such as using surface-modified electrodes, surface coatings, and hydrophobic nanostructures to optimize energy efficiency, are discussed. According to the literature, it is understood that BuNG designs can achieve high voltage outputs with large bubble sizes, but there are difficulties in controlling energy dissipation, unstable bubble behavior, and charge transfer efficiency. New approaches, pressure-induced bubble collapse, charge separation mechanisms, and modified surfaces for improved performance have been presented as solutions. This work is intended to bridge the gap between fundamental bubble physics and applied nanotechnology and draw a clear roadmap for future research on self-powered energy systems, underwater sensing, and renewable energy harvesting applications.