 The triboelectric nanogenerator, Teng, is a new type of energy conversion technology which uses mechanical energy to generate electricity. It has seen rapid advancements since it was invented in 2012, with polymer materials being used as the key component. These polymer materials can capture and transfer charges during friction, allowing them to be used in Tengs. This paper summarizes the use of polymer materials in Tengs, focusing on their use in different types of Tengs and their potential applications. The authors also discuss the challenges facing the development of these materials and how they could be overcome. This article was authored by I-Hua Chen, Qin Zheng, Guang Zhu, and others.