Foldable multiple-energies harvester consisting of a thin ion-exchange membrane prepared by a two-step interfacial polymerization

Abstract

This study reports on the fabrication of a multiple-energies harvester capable of producing electrical energy from membrane potential induced by mechanical and thermal energy sources. A two-step interfacial polymerization method was introduced to synthesize a thin ion-exchange membrane, in which membrane potential can be induced and maintained under low pressure and temperature gradients. To increase the potential applications of this work, a flexible, compressible, and foldable energy harvester was developed by incorporating the as-synthesized membranes. The investigation into the mechanical energy output of the harvester found it to have a sensitivity of 1.74 V/N and a power density of 4.26 mW/m2. Equally, when a thermal gradient was applied to the harvester, results showed a Seebeck coefficient of approximately 1 mV/K and a power density of 0.16 mW/m2.