Self-Powered Flexible Membrane for Sustainable Moisture-Enabled Electrokinetic Energy Harvesting

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Vienna have introduced a new, self-powered flexible membrane for sustainable moisture-enabled electrokinetic energy harvesting. The membrane, dubbed MOFs@FP-CB, is designed for efficient energy harvesting from controlled humidity, leveraging naturally available resources such as atmospheric moisture. Funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and Oesterreichische Forschungsfoerderungsgesellschaft, this research has significant implications for the development of next-generation wearable, self-powered moisture energy harvesting systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MOFs@FP-CB membrane is a flexible Janus-like asymmetric membrane developed through a straightforward dip-coating process and engineered for efficient electrokinetic energy harvesting from controlled humidity.
  • The membrane produces a voltage of 0.20 V and a current of 20.6 μA at controlled conditions (25°C and 65% relative humidity (RH)).
  • Electrical output can be easily scaled owing to the membrane's modular design, reaching up to 129.7 μA and 1.49 V through basic parallel and series connections.
  • The membrane provides exceptional mechanical flexibility and operational durability while maintaining its performance under a wide range of environmental conditions.
  • The system is capable of powering a red LED when 20 membranes are connected in series.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and has significant implications for the development of next-generation wearable, self-powered moisture energy harvesting systems.

Statistics:

  • 0.20 V: the voltage produced by the MOFs@FP-CB membrane at controlled conditions (25°C and 65% relative humidity (RH)).
  • 20.6 μA: the current produced by the MOFs@FP-CB membrane at controlled conditions (25°C and 65% relative humidity (RH)).
  • 129.7 μA: the maximum current reaching through basic parallel connections of the MOFs@FP-CB membrane.
  • 1.49 V: the maximum voltage reaching through basic series connections of the MOFs@FP-CB membrane.
  • 25°C: the temperature at which the MOFs@FP-CB membrane's performance is tested.
  • 65% relative humidity (RH): the relative humidity at which the MOFs@FP-CB membrane's performance is tested.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews. Fresh Data on Sustainability Research Presented 10/17/2025.
  • [Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2025]
  • NewsRx. New Sustainability Research Findings from University of Vienna Described (Self-powered Flexible Janus-like Metal-organic Framework Membrane for Sustainable Moisture-enabled Electrokinetic Energy Harvesting). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 17, 2025; p 512.