A bionic stretchable nanogenerator for underwater sensing and energy harvesting

Yang Zou,Han Ouyang,Min Yu,Dongjie Jiang,Zhong Lin Wang,Luming Zhao,Xuecheng Qu,Zhuo Liu,Hu Li,Yubo Fan,Puchuan Tan,Chan Wang,Zhou Li,Bojing Shi

doi:10.1038/s41467-019-10433-4

Abstract

Soft wearable electronics for underwater applications are of interest, but depend on the development of a waterproof, long-term sustainable power source. In this work, we report a bionic stretchable nanogenerator for underwater energy harvesting that mimics the structure of ion channels on the cytomembrane of electrocyte in an electric eel. Combining the effects of triboelectrification caused by flowing liquid and principles of electrostatic induction, the bionic stretchable nanogenerator can harvest mechanical energy from human motion underwater and output an open-circuit voltage over 10 V. Underwater applications of a bionic stretchable nanogenerator have also been demonstrated, such as human body multi-position motion monitoring and an undersea rescue system. The advantages of excellent flexibility, stretchability, outstanding tensile fatigue resistance (over 50,000 times) and underwater performance make the bionic stretchable nanogenerator a promising sustainable power source for the soft wearable electronics used underwater.

Highlights

Soft wearable electronics for underwater applications are of interest, but depend on the development of a waterproof, long-term sustainable power source
Two kinds of unique working modes allow the bionic stretchable nanogenerator (BSNG) to achieve over 170 V open-circuit voltage in dry conditions and over 10 V in liquid environment, which are combined with the advantages of the Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and can be used for energy harvesting and underwater sensing
The structure of ion channels on cell membranes is triggered by neurotransmitter, which allows the ions to pass through the cell membranes driven by a polarized concentration gradient of Na+ and K+ (Fig. 1b)

Summary

Introduction

Soft wearable electronics for underwater applications are of interest, but depend on the development of a waterproof, long-term sustainable power source. We report a bionic stretchable nanogenerator for underwater energy harvesting that mimics the structure of ion channels on the cytomembrane of electrocyte in an electric eel. Combining the effects of triboelectrification caused by flowing liquid and principles of electrostatic induction, the bionic stretchable nanogenerator can harvest mechanical energy from human motion underwater and output an open-circuit voltage over 10 V. The advantages of excellent flexibility, stretchability, outstanding tensile fatigue resistance (over 50,000 times) and underwater performance make the bionic stretchable nanogenerator a promising sustainable power source for the soft wearable electronics used underwater. Owing to its advantages of excellent flexibility, stretchability, mechanical responsiveness and output performance, the BSNG is expected to be a human body motion monitor and a promising alternative power source for wearable electronics in dry and wet environments

Methods

Results

Conclusion