Ionic Hydrogel for Efficient and Scalable Moisture-Electric Generation

Su Yang, Xiaoming Tao, Wei Chen, Jianfeng Mao, Heng Luo, Shuping Lin, Lisha Zhang, Jianhua Hao

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

122 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The progress of spontaneous energy generation from ubiquitous moisture is hindered the low output current and intermittent operating voltage of the moisture-electric generators. Herein a novel and efficient ionic hydrogel moisture-electric generator (IHMEG) is developed by rational combination of poly(vinyl alcohol), phytic acid, and glycerol-water binary solvent. Thanks to the synergistic effect of notable moisture-absorption capability and fast ion transport capability in the ionic hydrogel network, a single IHMEG unit of 0.25 cm2 can continuously generate direct-current electricity with a constant open-circuit voltage of ≈0.8 V for over 1000 h, a high short-current density of 0.24 mA cm−2, and power density of up to 35 µW cm−2. Of great importance is that large-scale integration of IHMEG units can be readily accomplished to offer a device with voltage up to 210 V, capable of directly driving numerous commercial electronics, including electronic ink screen, metal electrodeposition setup, and light-emitting-diode arrays. Such prominent performance is mainly attributed to the enhanced moisture-liberated proton diffusion proved by experimental observation and theoretical analysis. The ionic hydrogel with high cost-efficiency, easy-to-scaleup fabrication, and high power-output opens a brand-new perspective to develop a green, versatile, and efficient power source for Internet-of-Things and wearable electronics.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2200693
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume34
Issue number21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 May 2022

Keywords

  • direct-current electricity
  • ionic hydrogels
  • moisture
  • wearable electronics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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