Fitness powered by sweat
A small amount of sweat could be all that’s needed to power the fitness trackers of the future, research led by Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) has revealed.
In a paper published in the journal Device, Deakin researchers have outlined how they designed a groundbreaking wearable hydro-electric nanogenerator – powerful enough to power small electronics such as Fitbits and smartwatches – that combines conductive nanomaterials and evaporation of sweat to generate and store electrical power.
“Imagine a tiny device that you could wear, like a bracelet or headband, that could generate electricity from something as simple as your sweat,” research co-author IFM Associate Professor Jingliang Li said.
“The device only needs a small amount of sweat to operate – only a few drops to cover the surface of the device.”
In the past, the mechanics of hydro-electric nanogenerators were little understood and had several shortcomings, including lower power output density.
However, the new technology integrates a single-layer MXene nanosheet with wool as the electrochemically active component.
“Operation-wise, a device needs sweat to generate the current, but since the device is attached to a capacitor, the generated current can be stored,” Prof Jingliang Li said.
“This does not require the wearer to sweat continuously.
“Similar to a solar panel generating electricity, the generated current can be gradually stored in another device.”
Figures have shown more than half of Aussies track their fitness with a smartphone, smartwatch or fitness band.
The breakthrough research – led at IFM by Prof Li, Dr Azadeh Nilghaz and PhD candidate Hongli Su – could provide a greener and low-maintenance alternative to meet that demand.
Further development is needed before the technology could be commercialised for public sale, but the device shows promise of being easy and low-cost to fabricate.
Looking ahead, the research team hopes to explore how the device can generate electricity if the wearer doesn’t sweat.
“The device can generate electricity from the moisture produced by breathing,” Prof Li said.
“This is our future work.” Deakin’s IFM links worldclass materials science research with industry to address challenges in the energy, mining, defence, health, transport, textiles and manufacturing sectors.
The institute is a trusted partner for 130 innovative organisations around the world that want to access the best and brightest minds in material science and the institute’s suite of pilot-scale research facilities.
At its core, IFM aims to redesign materials for a circular economy and impart materials with extraordinary functionality.