19 July 2024 | Chenyue Guo, Huajie Tang, Pengfei Wang, Qihao Xu, Haodan Pan, Xinyu Zhao, Fan Fan, Tingxian Li & Dongliang Zhao
This study presents a bilayer polymer, PP/IH (poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) and ionic hydrogel), designed for efficient and self-sustaining moisture-electric generation from the hydrological cycle. The top layer, a porous P(Vdf-HFP), employs radiative cooling to prevent excessive daytime evaporation and accelerate nighttime moisture sorption, while the bottom layer, an ionic hydrogel containing LiCl, enhances moisture sorption and ion transport. This design ensures continuous water/ion flow through the sorption-desorption dynamic equilibrium, resulting in stable and high-power output. A single device unit (1 cm²) can generate a voltage of ~0.88 V and a current of ~306 μA, with a maximum power density of ~51 μW cm⁻² at 25 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH). The device demonstrated continuous outdoor operation for 6 days, showcasing its environmental adaptability and long-term stability. The integration of radiative cooling and ionic hydrogel enhances the device's performance, making it a promising solution for sustainable and efficient moisture-electric generation.This study presents a bilayer polymer, PP/IH (poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) and ionic hydrogel), designed for efficient and self-sustaining moisture-electric generation from the hydrological cycle. The top layer, a porous P(Vdf-HFP), employs radiative cooling to prevent excessive daytime evaporation and accelerate nighttime moisture sorption, while the bottom layer, an ionic hydrogel containing LiCl, enhances moisture sorption and ion transport. This design ensures continuous water/ion flow through the sorption-desorption dynamic equilibrium, resulting in stable and high-power output. A single device unit (1 cm²) can generate a voltage of ~0.88 V and a current of ~306 μA, with a maximum power density of ~51 μW cm⁻² at 25 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH). The device demonstrated continuous outdoor operation for 6 days, showcasing its environmental adaptability and long-term stability. The integration of radiative cooling and ionic hydrogel enhances the device's performance, making it a promising solution for sustainable and efficient moisture-electric generation.