In a compelling research article published in the journal ACS Omega, authors Agnes Nascimento Simoes, Rafael Aparecido Ciola Amoresi, Glauco Meireles Mascarenhas Morandi Lustosa, Waldir Antonio Bizzo, and Talita Mazon introduce an innovative way to tackle energy scarcity and water pollution simultaneously. The team developed a multifunctional, sponge-like material derived from sugarcane bagasse that functions as a triboelectric nanogenerator. This class of devices converts everyday mechanical energy, such as vibrations or body movements, into usable electricity. By integrating this energy-harvesting capability with advanced chemical processes, the researchers created a self-sufficient system capable of cleaning wastewater without relying on traditional power grids or fossil fuels.

The core of this technology lies in its unique structural composition, which pairs biochar—a carbon-rich substance made from waste biomass—with microscopic zinc oxide nanorods. BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More is a particularly attractive material because it is abundant, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. When mechanical force is applied to the device, the friction between its internal layers generates an electric potential. The experimental results were highly promising, with the device producing a maximum output voltage of 7.6 V and a current of 0.16 microamps. It also demonstrated impressive durability, maintaining stable performance over 15,000 continuous cycles of movement. This mechanical stability is crucial for real-world applications where devices must withstand constant physical stress over long periods.

The most significant finding of the study was the synergistic effect observed when the nanogenerator was used to assist in the degradation of methylene blue, a common organic pollutant. On its own, the biochar material has a small natural ability to soak up contaminants through adsorption, but this only removed about 2 percent of the dye. However, when the electricity-generating function of the device was activated, the cleanup process accelerated dramatically. The electric field produced by the device helps separate internal charges more effectively, which in turn creates highly reactive molecules that tear apart the pollutant’s chemical structure. With a single unit, the system reached a 26 percent removal rate, and when a second unit was added to the setup, the efficiency jumped to 42 percent within just two hours.

This performance is particularly notable because it occurred under relatively low-intensity light conditions. Many traditional water-treatment technologies require high-powered ultraviolet lamps or the addition of extra chemicals to be effective, which increases operational costs and environmental impact. In contrast, this hybrid system utilizes visible light and simple mechanical vibrations to achieve superior results compared to many existing biochar-based alternatives. The researchers also found that the device could charge a standard capacitor within four hours, suggesting it could eventually serve as a portable power source for small electronics in remote or underserved areas.

Ultimately, this study proves that sustainable materials can perform as well as, or even better than, expensive synthetic options when designed with a circular economy mindset. By transforming agricultural waste like sugarcane bagasse into high-performance energy harvesters, the authors have provided a blueprint for next-generation environmental remediation tools. The ability to simultaneously harvest renewable energy and clean up persistent harmful pollutants represents a major step forward for green technology. As these systems are refined for larger scales, they could offer a low-cost, self-powered solution for maintaining clean water and generating electricity in a wide variety of industrial and domestic settings.

Source: Simoes, A. N., Amoresi, R. A. C., Lustosa, G. M. M. M., Bizzo, W. A., & Mazon, T. (2026). Multifunctional Sponge-like Biochar@ZnO Nanorods Material: Applications in Triboelectric Nanogenerators to Enhance Photocatalysis. ACS Omega. \