Communication—An Epidermal Electrochemical Energy Source with a Replaceable Glucose Power Supply Membrane

Abstract

This paper presents an epidermal electrochemical energy source with a replaceable glucose membrane to continuously energize wearable sensors. In the anode, glucose oxidase catalytically decomposes glucose molecules, producing electrons, while in the cathode, with the achieved electrons, laccase catalytically decomposes oxygen, making electricity. Most significantly, the glucose membrane on the anode can be repeatedly replaced when the electrical energy is depleted due to the exhaustion of glucose, making long term power supply possible. Experimental results indicate that the energy source can provide a stable output of ∼0.015 mW cm−2 electrical power with an open-circuit voltage of ∼240 mV.