Triboelectric charging of particles: From the early onset of planet formation to assembling crystals

Triboelectrification is the spontaneous charging of two bodies when released from contact. Even though its manifestation is commonplace in triboelectric nanogenerators, scientists find the tribocharging mechanism a mystery. The primary aim is to provide an overview of different tribocharging concepts that have been applied to study and realize the formation of ordered stable structures using different objects on various length scales. Relevance spans from materials to planet formations. Especially dry assembly methods of particles of different shapes based on tribocharging to obtain crystal structures or monolayers are considered. In addition, the current technology employed to examine tribocharging in (semi-)dry environments is discussed as well as the relevant forces playing a role in the assembly process. In brief, this review is expected to provide a better understanding of tribocharging in assembling objects on the nano- and micrometre scale.