Ocean waves are not only a sustainable renewable energy source but also provide valuable information for monitoring marine environments and natural hazards. In this study, we developed a CNT/SEBS-based self-powered marine monitoring sensor utilizing a mechano-electrochemical mechanism, enabling simultaneous ultralow-frequency wave sensing and electrical energy harvesting. The developed sensor generated an open-circuit voltage of up to 60 mV and a short-circuit current of 80 μA/cm² without an external power source by exploiting variations in electrical double-layer capacitance induced by changes in the electrode–electrolyte interface. The capacitance increased from 0.1 μF to 2.4 μF with increasing immersion area, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed sensing mechanism. Furthermore, the CNT/SEBS bilayer exhibited high electrical conductivity together with excellent stretchability and flexibility, maintaining stable electrical responses under repeated water-level fluctuations. The proposed mechano-electrochemical self-powered sensor provides a promising platform for next-generation autonomous marine monitoring systems and sustainable blue-energy harvesting technologies.

Energy harvesting technology offers an innovative solution for providing self-sustaining power to wearable and implantable electronic devices. However, traditional energy harvesters face limitations in operating within electrolytic environments or at low motion speeds. To overcome these challenges, a mechano-electrochemical energy harvester using carbon nanotubes has been developed. This technology relies on electrochemical ion movement to induce changes in electrochemical double-layer capacitance, enabling operation within electrolytes and optimizing performance at low deformation speeds. This environmentally friendly and sustainable energy solution is expected to play a crucial role in the advancement of future smart systems and wearable technologies.

Citations

• Fabrication and performance of integrated self-powered PAAM hydrogel flexible pressure sensors
  Huaikuan Zang, Chao Hu, Pan Niu, Yong Zhang
  Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing.2026; 214: 110899.     CrossRef
• Piezoionic sensor devices of integrated gradient electrolyte gels
  Yi Fang, Hongbing Li, Taeuk Eom, Chang Kyu Jeong, Yong Zhang
  Chemical Engineering Journal.2026; 540: 177542.     CrossRef
• Covalent Interfacial Anchoring of 1D‐2D Hybrid Nanofillers to Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Networks Enables High‐Strength, High‐Stiffness Hydrogel Fibers
  Dong Yeop Lee, Ji Hwan Moon, Hocheol Gwac, Gyu Hyeon Song, Hyunsoo Kim, Yongwoo Jang, Changsoon Choi, Seon Jeong Kim
  Advanced Materials.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef

The search for sustainable and efficient energy conversion technologies is becoming increasingly critical in response to global energy and environmental challenges. Traditional lead-based piezoelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), have high piezoelectric constant but present significant health problems and environmental risks due to their hazardous metal contaminants. This study addresses these concerns by investigating barium titanate (BTO), a lead-free alternative, and enhancing its performance using anisotropic nanowires (NWs) structures. BTO NWs were synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method and incorporated into a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] matrix to fabricate a piezoelectric composite film. The resulting device demonstrated a notable increase in electrical output compared to devices based on isotropic morphology of BTO nanoparticles, exhibiting enhanced performance. These findings suggest that BTO NWs hold significant promise for applications in flexible and wearable electronics, paving the way for further advancements in sustainable energy technology.

Citations

• Interphase engineering in carbon black–reinforced piezoelectric nanocomposites: A combined experimental and micromechanical modeling study
  Ziwen Zhao, Masoumeh Khamehchi, Mohammad J. Mahmoodi, Zhenjin Wang, Fumio Narita
  Materials & Design.2026; 268: 116391.     CrossRef
• MXene-reinforced ultrasensitive piezoelectric pressure sensors based on P(VDF-TrFE) nanofibers with hybrid nanofillers
  Jingyi Yang, Jianqiao Wang, Zike Guo, Shuai Liu, Yaohua Dong, Peng Zhou, Tianjin Zhang, Yajun Qi
  Journal of Alloys and Compounds.2026; 1079: 189867.     CrossRef
• Layer-engineered BNBT–polymer films for multifunctional applications
  M. Vijatovic Petrovic, A. Dzunuzovic, J. Bobic, Z. Despotovic, F. Cordero, E. Mercadelli, Z. Radovanovic, F. Craciun
  Journal of Alloys and Compounds.2026; 1079: 189972.     CrossRef
• Piezoionic sensor devices of integrated gradient electrolyte gels
  Yi Fang, Hongbing Li, Taeuk Eom, Chang Kyu Jeong, Yong Zhang
  Chemical Engineering Journal.2026; 540: 177542.     CrossRef
• Interfacial polarization triggered by low-k fillers boosts piezoelectricity of MMT/PT composites for intelligent health monitoring
  Yong Ao, Junjun Yuan, Wenqi Yu, Rui Yuan, Boling Lan, Shenglong Wang, Tingting Zhou, Guicen Liu, Wei Zhao, Zhiyuan Gao, Xiaofei Jiang, Weili Deng, Long Jin, Weiqing Yang
  Journal of Materials Chemistry A.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Interfacial Engineering of Composite Piezoelectric Fibers Via an Anchor-Chain Architecture
  Jun Liu, Qiao Zhou, Pengcheng Zhang, Shuying Hu, Fang Zhou, Shuangshuang Ren, Ting Guo, Leiying Miao
  ACS Applied Engineering Materials.2026; 4(8): 4367.     CrossRef