Moist-electric generators based on electrospun cellulose acetate nanofiber membranes with tree-like structure

Moist-induced electricity generators (MEGs) that harvest electric energy from moisture in the atmosphere show great potential in portable and wearable electronics. Structural properties of active materials are essential for improving the output performance of MEGs. Herein, we developed a novel tree-like structure cellulose acetate (CA) nanofiber membrane by one-step electrospinning of CA solutions added organic branched salt to construct a low-cost, efficient, and wearable MEG. Thanks to the synergistic effects of improved hydrophilicity, increased specific surface area as well as reduced pore size, a single MEG from the optimal CA membrane could generate an output voltage of about 700 mV with a maximum output power density of up to 2.45 μW cm−2. Interestingly, this MEG can drive electronic calculators by connecting in series and can be used to monitor human respiration due to its high sensitivity to moisture. Such strategy of enhancing the output performance of MEGs based on structural design provides new insights for the development of portable electronic devices.