Reviewed by Lexie CornerAug 5 2024
Professor Lee Joo-hyuk of the Department of Energy Engineering at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology developed an ionic polyurethane-based triboelectric generator with self-healing, biodegradable, and high electro-positive qualities. This research was published in Nano Energy,
The device design uses ionic liquid, which significantly improves power output performance and has minimal negative environmental effects by promoting biodegradability and self-healing. Based on these characteristics, it is expected to be used as a sustainable power source in wearables and soft electronic devices of the future.
In recent years, substantial research has been conducted on the application of “triboelectric generators,” which transform kinetic energy into electrical energy through friction, as a next-generation power source. High durability and consistent power output are required for this purpose, as is the device's capacity to self-heal mechanical damage produced by continuous friction.
The device will be more valuable if eco-friendly technology is employed; it can be dissolved with microorganisms and returned to nature after losing its functionality, minimizing environmental damage.
Professor Lee’s team has created a polyurethane-based triboelectric generator that could be utilized as an environmentally friendly, next-generation energy source. The study team used imidazolium ions for self-healing functions and strong electro-positive qualities, as well as polycaprolactone (PCL)-based polyurethane for biodegradable “ionic polyurethane,” to create a triboelectric generator.
Ionic polyurethane, a sustainable power source for next-generation soft electronic devices that reduces the influence of environmental pollution, is exceptionally efficient in creating electrical energy due to its self-healing, biodegradable, and high electro-positive qualities.
The study team carried out an experiment to confirm the newly designed device's superiority. They discovered that the ionic polyurethane-based device has a 90 % self-healing efficiency and can provide a power density of up to 436.8 mW/m2. This was determined by examining the power output of the device under different situations.
They also discovered that after 300 days of biodegradation, only around 21 % of the device’s original mass is still present.
Through this research, we have developed an efficient material that integrates self-healing and biodegradation functions while maintaining high power output performance. This innovative technology can provide a sustainable power source for next-generation wearable devices, and in our follow-up research, we will endeavor to commercialize the technology.
Lee Joo-hyuk, Professor, Department of Energy Science & Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) supported the study.
Journal Reference:
Joo, H., et. al. (2024) Engineering self-healable and biodegradable ionic polyurethane with highly tribopositive behavior. Nano Energy. doi:10.1016/j.nanoen.2024.109706