| Apr 18, 2024 |
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(Nanowerk News) In a paper published in Device (“Efficient energy generation from a sweat-powered, wearable, MXene-based hydroelectric nanogenerator”), Deakin researchers have outlined how they have designed a ground-breaking wearable hydroelectric nanogenerator – powerful enough to power small electronics such as Fitbits and smart watches – that combines conductive nanomaterials and the evaporation of sweat to generate and store electrical power.
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| IFM researchers have designed a new hydroelectric nanogenerator for wearable electronics that integrates a single-layer MXene nanosheet with wool as the electrochemically active component. (Image: IFM)
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In the past, the mechanics of hydroelectric nanogenerators were little understood and had several shortcomings, including lower power output density, however this new technology integrates a single-layer MXene nanosheet with wool as the electrochemically active component.
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‘Imagine a tiny device that you could wear, like a bracelet or headband, that could generate electricity from something as simple as your sweat,’ research co-author IFM Associate Professor Jingliang Li said.
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‘The device only needs a small amount of sweat to operate – only few drops to cover the surface of the device.
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‘Operation-wise a device needs sweat to generate the current, but since the device is attached to a capacitor, the generated current can be stored. This does not require the wearer to sweat continuously.
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‘Similar to a solar panel generating electricity, the generated current can be gradually stored in another device.’
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This breakthrough research – led at IFM by Associate Professor Li, Dr Azadeh Nilghaz and PhD candidate Hongli Su – could provide a greener, and low maintenance alternative to meet that demand.
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Further development is needed before the technology could be commercialised for public sale; however, the device shows promise of being easy and low-cost to fabricate.
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Looking ahead, the research team hopes to explore how the device can generate electricity if they don’t sweat.
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‘The device can generate electricity from the moisture produced by breathing,’ Associate Professor Li said. ‘This is our future work.’
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