A stretchable and flexible biofuel cell
that runs on sweat:
A unique new flexible and
stretchable device, worn against the skin and capable of producing electrical
energy by transforming the compounds present in sweat. This cell is already
capable of continuously lighting an LED, opening new avenues for the
development of wearable electronics powered by autonomous and environmentally
friendly biodevices.
The potential uses for
wearable electronic devices continue to increase, especially for medical and
athletic monitoring. Such devices require the development of a reliable and
efficient energy source that can easily be integrated into the human body.
Using "biofuels" present in human organic liquids has long been a
promising avenue.
The device is developed
by a flexible conductive material consisting of carbon nanotubes, crosslinked
polymers and enzymes joined by stretchable connectors that are directly
printed onto the material through screen-printing.
The biofuel cell, which
follows deformations in the skin, produces electrical energy through the
reduction of oxygen and the oxidation of the lactate present in perspiration.
Once applied to the arm, it uses a voltage booster to continuously power an
LED. It is relatively simple and inexpensive to produce, with the primary cost
being the production of the enzymes that transform the compounds found in
sweat. The researchers are now seeking to amplify the voltage provided by the
biofuel cell in order to power larger portable devices.
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Source: Nano Magazine