Functional metal/covalent organic framework materials for triboelectric nanogenerator

•This is a comprehensive overview of triboelectric nanogenerator based on porous crystalline materials (COFs, MOFs, MOFs derivatives and MOFs composites).•This is the first time that the focus has been on the outstanding advantages for porous crystalline materials in improving the performance of triboelectric nanogenerator.•The common applications of triboelectric nanogenerator based on porous crystalline materials are elaborated roundly in recent years.•The interaction mechanisms of the porous crystalline materials were emphasized from their respective roles and performances in the system.