A Dual-Functional MXene-Based Bioanode for Wearable Self-Charging Biosupercapacitors

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Wearable electronics require reliable, self-sustaining power sources.
• Existing biosupercapacitors face limitations in energy harvesting efficiency due to bulky preparation and enzyme site accessibility.
• In vivo motion complicates practical energy harvesting for wearable devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a dual-functional bioanode for enhanced energy harvesting and storage from human sweat.
• To develop a wearable biosupercapacitor with improved performance and mechanical stability for in vivo applications.
• To demonstrate the potential of this biosupercapacitor as a self-powered platform for wearable electronics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hierarchical MXene/single-walled carbon nanotube/lactate oxidase bioanode.
• Construction of a wearable biosupercapacitor using an "island-bridge" structure with composite bioanode, active carbon/Pt cathode, and liquid metal conductor.
• Evaluation of the device's electrochemical performance, including open-circuit voltage and power density, under mechanical stress.

Main Results:

• The dual-functional bioanode provides a 3D catalytic microenvironment for efficient sweat energy harvesting.
• The biosupercapacitor achieved an open-circuit voltage of 0.48 V and a high power density of 220.9 µW cm⁻².
• The device demonstrated robust mechanical stability under stretching and bending, with no significant power attenuation.

Conclusions:

• The developed wearable biosupercapacitor effectively harvests and stores energy from sweat.
• The unique bioelectrode structure and excellent performance highlight its potential for self-powered wearable electronics.
• This technology offers a promising micro self-powered platform for advanced wearable applications.