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Bio-Based Wax Interfaces for Droplet Energy Harvesting at Fluoropolymer-Like Output Levels

AFM probes used in the publication

Multi75E-G
Best Seller

Multi75E-G

Force Modulation AFM Probe with Platinum Overall Coating
Coating: Electrically Conductive
Tip Shape: Rotated
AFM Cantilever:
  • F
    75 kHz
  • C
    3 N/m
  • L
    225 µm

Abstract

Droplet impact and rebound on solid surfaces has emerged as a promising method for energy harvesting, typically demonstrated using fluorinated polymers that generate high voltages via liquid–solid contact electrification. However, these materials are non-degradable and environmentally unsustainable. To address this limitation, bio-based waxes - selected by their potential role in environmental electrification processes - are explored as sustainable alternatives. Voltage, current, and charge generation are systematically analyzed from water droplets impacting wax-coated surfaces. Remarkably, natural waxes such as beeswax, operculum wax, and epicuticular plant waxes produced peak voltages up to 500 V and comparable current levels (≈20–40 µA, 10–20 mW peak power) to fluorinated materials under identical conditions. Building on these findings, a flexible, modular, and biodegradable droplet energy harvester is designed using zinc electrodes and wax-coated electrification sites. By guiding droplets through predefined sliding paths and gates, multiple energy harvesting events per droplet are achieved. These results demonstrate that high-performance droplet energy harvesting is possible using sustainable materials and tunable harvester design. Additionally, they reveal the need for further investigation of the liquid-solid electrification mechanism on non-fluorinated surfaces, both in engineered systems and in nature.

 
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