Efficient Moisture-Induced Energy Harvesting from Water-Soluble Conjugated Block Copolymer-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide

This Research Article demonstrates a very simple approach of a moisture-induced power-generating phenomenon using water-soluble rod-coil conjugated block copolymer (poly(3-hexythiophene)-block-poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) (P3HT-b-PSSA)-modified reduced graphene oxide. The block copolymer-modified reduced graphene oxide (BCP-RGO) was prepared by noncovalent surface functionalization cum in situ reduction of graphene oxide. A simple device made from BCP-RGO can generate voltage upon exposure to water vapor or under different humidity conditions. The open-circuit voltage generated from the diode-like device varies with respect to the relative humidity, and the device can act as a self-powered humidity sensor. The as-prepared BCP-RGO is able to produce a maximum power density of 1.15 mu W/cm(2) (short-circuit current density J(SC) = 6.40 mu A/cm(2)) at a relative humidity of 94%. Meanwhile, the BCP-RGO device produces a very high power density of 0.7 mW/cm(2) (at a short-circuit current density of 1.06 mA/cm(2)) after 91% water absorption. We believe that the material presented here will be very useful for a self-biased humidity sensor and moisture-induced energy harvesting. The diode-like response of the BCP-RGO device with humidity or after water absorption will make the material applicable for self-biased humidity-controlled electronic switching.

Automated summary

This research demonstrates a simple approach using water-soluble rod-coil conjugated block copolymer-modified reduced graphene oxide to achieve moisture-induced power generation, with the device also functioning as a self-powered humidity sensor. The material has potential applications in self-biased humidity-controlled electronic switching.