Compared with triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that simply harvest ambient mechanical vibration energy, the novel hybrid energy cells combined with TENGs are able to harvest multiple forms of energy with a wider operating frequency range and better output performance. In recent years, hybrid energy cells have gradually developed towards miniaturization, portability, and intelligence. This article starts from several categories such as the combination of TENG with solar cells, combination of TENG with electromagnetic generator, combination of TENG with piezoelectric nanogenerator, combination of TENG with various types of power generation, and combination of TENG with other energy cells. The research progress of hybrid energy cells in terms of working mode, structure, energy output, and applications are reviewed, and the challenges faced by hybrid energy cells are discussed. The development prospects of hybrid energy cells are prospected and it is believed that further research in the aspects of integration, high power, and long service life is needed for hybrid energy cells.

triboelectric nanogenerator  /  hybrid energy cell  /  self-powered sensor