The effect of current collectors on polymer-based energy-generating units inspired by the electric organs of eels

Abstract

Bioinspired energy generation systems, particularly focusing on replicating the electrocytes, which are the cells of electric discharging organs of electric eels, have attracted much attention for battery cell development. Motivated by this trend, this study explores the effects of different current collectors (Au, Cu, Ni foils, and multilayer graphene-coated Ni foam) on the cell performance and open-circuit potentials of bioinspired energy-generating units. The results indicate that asymmetric current collectors, particularly the Cu-cell-Al configurations, yielded higher open circuit voltages and more stable power outputs over extended cycles. A polymer-based stacked energy unit between nickel current collectors achieved a high open circuit voltage of 230 mV and had a 75 % capacity decrease after 500 cycles. The developed devices, especially with asymmetric current collectors, provided a promising energy density (6541μWh.cm−2) and power density (50 mW.cm−2) while maintaining stability over thousands of cycles. In conclusion, flexible energy-generating units with potential applications in long-term energy needs were proposed in this study by incorporating electrochemical interactions to enhance the power output.