High-performance, breathable and flame-retardant moist-electric generator based on asymmetrical nanofiber membrane assembly.

ABSTRACT

Moist-electric generators (MEGs), which are capable of spontaneously generating energy from ubiquitous moisture, are considered as a potential power supply candidate for wearable electronics. However, the application of the MEGs in the wearable field is still challenging due to the low electric output and the lack of wearable attributes such as breathability and flame retardancy. Herein, we demonstrated a wearable MEG with high power-output, breathability and flame retardancy, which was fabricated by designing an asymmetrical nanofiber assembly using hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol/phytic acid (PVA/PA) and hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) nanofiber membranes. Owing to the synergistic effects of strong water absorption, enhanced ion release and numerous micro-nano transport channels, a single MEG of 1 cm2 could constantly generate high direct-current (DC) power, i.e., a voltage of 1.0 V, a current of 15.5 µA, and a power density of 3.0 µW cm-2, outperforming other reported nanofiber-based MEGs. More importantly, the asymmetric nanofiber structure ensured the moisture circulation inside MEG and thus produced a sustained voltage output for 7 days without any deterioration. The MEG also showed good flexibility, air/moisture permeability and flame retardancy, which give it necessary wearable attributes. Furthermore, large-scale integration of MEG units could be readily realized to fabricate a power source device for driving different portable electronics, while the moisture sensitivity made the MEG well used for sensing applications (e.g., respiration monitoring, fire warning).