A SWEAT-BASED SELF-CHARGING POWER SYSTEM: INTEGRATION OF MICROBIAL ENERGY HARVESTING AND STORING DEVICES

Abstract

We demonstrate the first example of a wearable self-charging power system that offers (i) the high-energy harvesting function of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) and (ii) the high-power operation of a supercapacitor through charging and discharging.The MFC uses human skin bacteria as a biocatalyst to transform the chemical energy of human sweat into electrical power through bacterial metabolism, while the integrated supercapacitor stores the generated electricity for constant and high-pulse power generation even with the irregular perspiration of individuals.The all-printed paper-based power system integrates the horizontally structured MFC and the planar supercapacitor, representing the most favorable platform for wearable applications because of its lightweight and easy integrability into other wearable devices.The self-charging wearable system attains higher electrical power and longer-term operational capability, demonstrating considerable potential as a power source for wearable electronics.