A core–shell fiber moisture-driven electric generator enabled by synergetic complex coacervation and built-in potential

Guangtao Zan, Wei Jiang, HoYeon Kim, Kaiying Zhao, Shengyou Li, Kyuho Lee, Jihye Jang, Gwanho Kim, EunAe Shin, Woojoong Kim, Jin Woo Oh, Yeonji Kim, Jong Woong Park, Taebin Kim, Seonju Lee, Ji Hye Oh, Jowon Shin, Hyeong Jun Kim and Cheolmin Park ()
Additional contact information
Guangtao Zan: Yonsei University
Wei Jiang: Yonsei University
HoYeon Kim: Yonsei University
Kaiying Zhao: Yonsei University
Shengyou Li: Yonsei University
Kyuho Lee: Yonsei University
Jihye Jang: Yonsei University
Gwanho Kim: Yonsei University
EunAe Shin: Yonsei University
Woojoong Kim: Yonsei University
Jin Woo Oh: Yonsei University
Yeonji Kim: Yonsei University
Jong Woong Park: Yonsei University
Taebin Kim: Yonsei University
Seonju Lee: Yonsei University
Ji Hye Oh: Yonsei University
Jowon Shin: Sogang University
Hyeong Jun Kim: Sogang University
Cheolmin Park: Yonsei University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Moisture-driven electricity generators (MEGs) have been extensively researched; however, high-performance flexible variants have seldom been demonstrated. Here we present a novel complex coacervation with built-in potential strategy for developing a high-performance uniaxial MEG, featuring a core of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) with a built-in charge potential and a gel shell composed of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and sodium alginate (NaAlg) coacervate. The complex coacervation of two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes produces extra mobile carriers and free volume in the device; meanwhile, the PEDOT core’s surface charge significantly accelerates carrier diffusion. Consequently, the uniaxial fiber-based MEG demonstrates breakthrough performance, achieving an output voltage of up to 0.8 V, a maximum current density of 1.05 mA/cm2, and a power density of 184 μW/cm2 at 20% relative humidity. Moreover, the mechanical robustness is ensured for the PEDOT nanoribbon substrate without performance degradation even after 100,000 folding cycles, making it suitable for self-powered human interactive sensor and synapse. Notably, we have constructed the inaugural MEG-synapse self-powered device, with a fiber-based MEG successfully operating a synaptic memristor, thereby emulating autonomous human synapses linked with fibrous neurons. Overall, this work pioneers innovative design strategies and application scenarios for high-performance MEGs.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54442-4

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