Researchers develop a graphene power device for wearable electronics

Weargraph, part of the EU’s Graphene Flagship initiative, has developed a graphene-based wire-less, battery-free power device for wearable electronics, aimed to conquer difficulties associated with more traditional modes of the supply of power in wearable electronics, including safety matters and recharging batteries.

The project, led by Graphene Flagship partners Interactive Wear and Dresden University of Technology, achieved its objectives that it initially set out in 2018 when launched. The project’s goals were to use graphene’s high level of flexibility and connectivity with energy storage and harvesting to provide an adequate wearable device.

Graphene’s properties have enabled scientists to create a system where supercapacitors and solar cells produce the power, eliminating the need for a lithium-ion battery or regular breaks for charging the battery again.

The team have also applied the same technology to a digitised cooling jacket, the E-Cooling Powercool SX3 shirt, equipped with a state-of-the-art climate monitoring system. The shirt has implemented sensors for barometric pressure, temperature and humidity, with the system’s sensors which self-charge and communicate the data to a smartphone.

Project led and Professor at Graphene Flagship TU Dresden, Xinliang Feng, stated: “The developed digitised cooling jacket could be used for a wide range of groups such as patients and workwear.”

Nia Group leader, TU Dresden, Ali Shaygan, stated: The technology has huge potential to address various market segments such as fashion, sport, wellness, medical and in general, internet of things applications.”