3-in-1 Self-Powered Hybrid Energy-Driven Wearable Technologies: Unifying Energy Harvesting and Storage

Introduction

In the landscape of wearable electronics, there is a demand for self-powered systems to address the challenges posed by discontinuous and limited power supply. Low-grade heat and moisture are two ubiquitous clean energy sources with great potential for electrical energy production.

2-in-1 Technologies

2-in-1 technologies combining thermal or moisture-induced energy harvesting (EH) with electrochemical energy storage (ES) are attractive self-charging solutions for wearables. However, their performance remains inconsistent and unsteady. The understanding of the underlying EH and ES mechanisms remains fragmented, without considering synergistic opportunities.

Project Overview

SelfEnergyDriver proposes a PIONEER HYBRID textile technology UNIFYING moisture-triggered EH, thermal EH, and supercapacitive ES. This groundbreaking 3-in-1 concept aims for the self-sustained harvesting of two clean energy sources and simultaneous in situ storage of the captured energy.

Development of Hybrid Materials

Non-toxic multifunctional hybrid electrode nanomaterials with:

• 3D porous architecture
• Redox-active nature
• Precisely engineered moisture permeability
• Thermal and electrochemical properties

will be developed to comply with all EH/ES requirements. These hybrids will be incorporated in textiles and assembled with advanced redox-active ionic hydrogel polyelectrolytes in innovative device architectures.

Research Focus

SelfEnergyDriver will delve into the intricacies of electrodes, electrolytes, and their interfaces, to guide the rational design of these trailblazing technologies and foster cooperative effects for synergistically enhanced outputs.

Goals

The supreme goal will be bridging the knowledge gap between:

1. Electrode/electrolyte properties
2. Interface phenomena
3. Device architecture and performance

Proof-of-Concept

As a proof-of-concept, the 3-in-1 technologies will be tested under simulated real-world conditions to showcase their potential to revolutionize the landscape of wearable energy systems. The acquired knowledge will set new landmarks in clean energy, textronics, and sensing.