Energy harvesting by vitrimer-based moist-electric generators

Abstract

Exploitation and utilization of green energy are urgent for the sustainable development of human civilization. In this study, we report a series of novel moist-electric generators (MEGs) based on a polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) vitrimer for the first time. In sharp contrast to traditional polymer MEGs, vitrimer moist-electric generators (VMEGs) can provide high and sustained voltage outputs under high temperature and high moisture conditions without structural collapse and decomposition. Furthermore, after doping with Ti₃C₂, the resultant VMEG can simultaneously convert energy from both water and the sun to electrical energy, providing continuous power for electronic devices, such as timers, under a natural environment. It is noteworthy that the preparation of VMEGs can be easily scaled up by using PHU/cellulose paper composites. The resultant paper-based VMEGs exhibit high electrical output, while possessing excellent mechanical properties, good self-healing ability, and high flexibility and transparency. This study provides a novel strategy to fabricate advanced MEGs, and at the same time opens a novel application for vitrimer materials.