Hydrovoltaic Nanogenerators for Self‐Powered Sweat Electrolyte Analysis. Issue 15 (10th January 2023) - Huangfu, Xueqing
Abstract: Human sweat comprises various electrolytes that are health status indicators. Conventional potentiometric electrolyte sensors require an electrical power source, which is expensive, bulky, and requires a complex architecture. Herein, this work demonstrates an electric nanogenerator fabricated using silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays comprising modified carbon nanoparticles. The SiNW arrays platform is demonstrated as an effective self‐powered sensor for sweat electrolyte analysis. It has been shown that an evaporation‐induced water flow in nanochannels can yield an open‐circuit voltage ( V oc ) of 0.45 V and a short‐circuit current of 10.2 µA at room temperature as a result of overlapped electric double layers. The electrolyte in the water flow results in a V oc decrease due to the charge shielding effect. The V oc is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentration. The fabricated hydrovoltaic device shows the capability for sensing electrolytes in human sweat, which is useful in evaluating the hydration status of volunteers following intense physical exercise. The device depicts a novel response mechanism compared to conventional electrochemical sensors. Furthermore, the hydrovoltaic device shows a maximum output power of 1.42 µW, and as such has been successfully shown to drive various electronic devices including light‐emitting diodes, a calculator, and an electronic timer. Abstract : Hydrovoltaic nanogenerators are fabricated as self‐powered sensors for sweat electrolyte analysis. An evaporation‐induced water flow can yield an open‐circuit voltage of 0.45 V, a short‐circuit current of 10.2 µA, and a maximum output power of 1.42 µW at room temperature. Furthermore, the devices can be used to drive various electronic devices including light‐emitting diodes, a calculator, and an electronic timer.