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Moist-electromagnetic coupling enabled by ionic-electronic polymer diodes for wireless energy modulation

Author

Listed:
  • Zhenguo Gao

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Yuanyuan Gao

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Xinlong Liu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Cuiqin Fang

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Juyang Wei

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Yaopeng Wu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Shenzhen Deng

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Chong Min Koo

    (Sungkyunkwan University)

  • Bingang Xu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

Wireless modules provide an essential platform for power-harvesting and telecommunications enabled by Internet of Things systems. However, substantial interferences in multiple energy interactions and signal transmission may arise due to fluctuations in environmental factors. Here, we report a moist-electromagnetic coupling effect enabled by ionic-electronic polymer diodes for synergistic moist energy harvesting and electromagnetic protection. The thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms of charge carrier transport in the polymer diodes are effectively manipulated by engineering the molecular interactions within the polyanions, leveraging hydrogen bonding, metal ion coordination, and metal-organic framework modifications, alongside the controlled porous architecture of the polypyrrole polycations. The ion gradient distribution and ionic double layer induced by moist energy endow the films with rectenna effect, leading to optimized impedance matching and enhanced polarization relaxation capabilities, thereby enabling electromagnetic interference shielding. The proposed moist-electric-electromagnetic coupling mechanism demonstrates its operational feasibility through stable power output (480.19 μW·cm-2) and good electromagnetic capability. Our findings provide insight into the environmental adaptability of electromagnetic energy modulation, ensuring the energy and information security of the state-of-the-art self-powered smart wireless electronics.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhenguo Gao & Yuanyuan Gao & Xinlong Liu & Cuiqin Fang & Juyang Wei & Yaopeng Wu & Shenzhen Deng & Chong Min Koo & Bingang Xu, 2025. "Moist-electromagnetic coupling enabled by ionic-electronic polymer diodes for wireless energy modulation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65034-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65034-1
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