A research team at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China has developed a stretchable moisture-electric generator capable of producing electricity even when subjected to repeated bending, stretching, and twisting. Hydrogel generators that convert ambient humidity into electricity have long attracted the attention of scientists due to their softness and flexibility. This was reported by Ixbt.com reports .
Such devices are seen as promising power sources for smart clothing, medical implants, and various health sensors. However, existing solutions faced a serious problem: weak adhesion between the hydrogel and the electrodes. During deformation, the materials tend to delaminate, which increases internal resistance and degrades device performance.
Chinese engineers solved this problem by modifying the hydrogel composition. They added a water-glycerin solvent and integrated the material with liquid metal and elastic silver electrodes. The addition of glycerin promoted the formation of more hydrogen bonds within the hydrogel and at the interface with the electrodes. This improved interlayer adhesion and facilitated ion transport even under severe mechanical deformation.
The new prototype demonstrated a voltage of over 0.94 V and a current density of 141 µA/cm². The device maintained its functionality after 1,040 stretching cycles, and its characteristics remained virtually unchanged after 8,000 bending cycles at a 180-degree angle. Glycerin also increased the material's resistance to drying and freezing, ensuring stable operation in various climatic conditions.
Researchers believe this technology could become a vital energy source for wearable electronics and medical sensors. Specifically, in respiratory monitoring systems, the device could harvest energy directly from exhaled air humidity. This method is also expected to be used in creating long-lasting soft robotics and flexible electronic systems.
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