Work

Scalable Hygroscopic Moisture‐Electric Generator With Long‐Term Stability for Self‐Powered Wound‐Healing Stimulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The growing demand for sustainable energy solutions has increased interest in ambient energy harvesters capable of continuous operation under diverse environmental conditions. Here, we report a hygroscopic moisture‐electric generator (HMEG) that achieves long‐term, self‐sustained power generation through an asymmetric architecture composed of montmorillonite and calcium chloride. The integration of hygroscopic materials within a perforated coin‐cell structure enables directional moisture transport and persistent ionic gradients, producing a stable open‐circuit voltage of 0.55 V and a short‐circuit current of 74 µA for 30 days at 50% relative humidity. The device delivers a maximum power density of 3.582 µW cm − 2 and exhibits strong scalability, with a large‐area HMEG (7 × 7 cm 2 ) producing 0.64 V and 816 µA for three days. A ten‐unit array further outputs 5.5 V and 670 µA, confirming modular energy‐harvesting capability. Beyond power generation, a single HMEG enabled in vitro electrical stimulation of L929 fibroblast cells, enhancing wound‐healing‐related behaviors. The stimulated group showed a 152% increase in cell‐covered area on day 3 and 241% on day 5, along with elevated metabolic activity (32.1% and 23.4%). These results establish a durable and biocompatible platform linking moisture‐driven energy harvesting with regenerative bioelectronics.

Source: Advanced Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adma.202523315