Achieving persistent and ultra-high voltage output through arid-adapted plants-inspired high-performance moisture-electric generator

Abstract

Moisture-electric generator (MEG) present a promising alternative to conventional batteries, particularly for off-grid and decentralized power applications. However, existing MEGs suffer from low power output, instability, and limited scalability due to their sensitivity to fluctuating ambient humidity. Inspired by the transpiration of arid-adapted plants, we demonstrate a three-dimensional, self-sustained MEG (3D-SMEG) for efficient and persistent power generation through continuous moisture adsorption-desorption cycles. A biomimetic hydrophobic microporous layer, which regulates water evaporation and facilitates unidirectional hygroionic transport, can effectively decouple power generation from external humidity variations. The optimized spatial electric field creates a strong concentration gradient of ionized groups within the 3D-SMEG, significantly enhancing electrical output. A single, compact (only 0.1 cm3 in volume) 3D-SMEG generates high power output with 1.4 V and 0.1 mA, achieving an order of magnitude improvement over conventional MEGs. Notably, the 3D-SMEG exhibits stable operation for over 1000 hours under natural environmental conditions. Furthermore, a scalable screen-printing strategy enables the integration of 500 units to achieve an ultra-high voltage over 680 V with minimal power loss (2.8%), which is sufficient to directly power commercial electronics. This work establishes a high-performance, scalable MEG platform, paving the way for self-powered electronic devices and future moisture-driven energy infrastructures.