Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology is an emerging new mechanical energy harvesting technology with numerous advantages. Amongst the multitude of TENG designs, the grating structure is not only the most promising for ultra-high output power but also the most complicated. In this manuscript, the first theoretical model of the grating structured TENG is presented with in-depth interpretation and analysis of its working principle. Two different categories of grating structured TENGs – grating structured TENGs with equal plate-length and with unequal plate-length are discussed in detail to illustrate their difference in output characteristics. Then for each of these two categories, a study of the basic output profiles and an in-depth discussion on the influence of the electrode structure, number of grating units, and thickness of the dielectric layers were made to obtain a strategy for optimization.
