A Hygroelectric Generator of High Performance in Wide Humidity Range Based on Self-Adaptive Ion Diode Nanochannels

Moisture-based power generation technology captures energy from moisture and can directly power small electronic devices. Effectively utilizing atmospheric water at a wide humidity range and converting it into electrical output at the same level is valuable. However, most devices significantly differ in power generation performance between high and low humidity environments, so the dynamic adaptability of wide humidity remains a major challenge for existing moisture-based power generators. Here, a biomimetic intelligent nanofluid diode is designed with a polypyrrole (PPy)/anodized aluminum oxide (AAO)/poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) sandwich structure, which can dynamically adjust the surface charge and pore size of the nanochannel according to external humidity, achieving dynamic adaptive regulation of moisture capture and ion rectification transport behavior. The ability of moisture capturing and the rectification effect both increase with decreasing humidity. Thus, the number and migration efficiency of free charge carriers are improved under low humidity conditions, and the maximum difference in output power remains within 40% (26.3-44 mW m^-2) in a wide humidity range (15% -93% RH). The humidity-adaptive properties of membranes enable devices to operate over a wide range of moisture, providing a new approach to enhance the adaptability of nanogenerators to complex environments.