A Wearable Sustainable Moisture-Induced Electricity Generator Based on rGO/GO/rGO Sandwich-Like Structural Film

Green energy conversion is the first choice in solving contemporary energy pollution and shortages. In this work, a flexible moisture-induced electricity generator is developed. Graphene oxide (GO) film is simply region-treated by bilateral ultraviolet irradiation to obtain two special structural films-reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/GO/rGO sandwich-like structural (rGrSF) film and rGrSF-GO composite film. The special sandwich-like structure endows films with the capability to easily transport water molecules and difficultly release moisture that improves the adaptability of generator to environmental change. A single moisture-induced electricity generator (MIEG) could supply an open circuit voltage of 215.7 mV for more than 3 h. 9 MIEGs successfully powered a light emitting diode (LED) in 1 h under moisture, and its total discharging process took about 5.5 h in a normal room condition, in which the LED kept lit for 1 h. Additionally, with outstanding flexibility, high stability, and reproducibility, the generator shows the potential in application of wearable electronics and it can generate sustainable electricity in the face of suddenly changes in humidity.

Automated summary

The study developed a flexible moisture-induced electricity generator that can provide sustainable power in response to changes in humidity. The generator has a special structure that allows for easy transportation of water molecules and difficulty in releasing moisture, demonstrating outstanding flexibility, stability, and reproducibility, making it suitable for wearable electronics.