Work

Underwater Ionic Current Signal Sensing and Information Transmission by Contact-Induced Charge Transfer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Underwater ionic current signal sensing shows great potential for electric-field-sensing-based target detection, information transmission and communication. Nevertheless, it is still a challenging task. Herein, a self-powered underwater ionic current signal sensing system using contact-induced charge transfer is presented. The system mainly consists of a working electrode, a metal sheet and a sensing electrode that is immersed in electrolyte solution. Upon touching the working electrode with a metal sheet with a different work function, charge transfer occurs on the interface, and a corresponding ionic current is induced. The generated ionic current can be detected with the sensing electrode far away from the working electrode. It was found that the magnitude and direction of the generated ionic current are determined by the contact potential difference (CPD) between the working electrode and the contacting metal sheet. Additionally, the effects of water temperature, the ionic concentration of the electrolyte solution, electrode surface area and hydrostatic pressure are systematically investigated. The detected signal magnitude decreased with an increase in the distance between the working electrode and the sensing electrode. A proof-of-concept demonstration of underwater information transmission via Morse code with this method was successfully achieved.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15052846

Authors: Boru Su, Junyan Zhang, Yunfei Deng, Lin Chi

Institutions: Dalian Maritime University, State Power Investment Corporation (China)

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China