Stretchable hydrogel generator delivers stable power after 8,000 bending cycles

Researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology developed a fully stretchable hydrogel moisture-electric generator with stronger hydrogel-electrode bonding.

Using glycerol, liquid metal, and stretchable silver electrodes reduced interfacial resistance, improved ion transport, and boosted durability against drying, freezing, and swelling.

The device generated over 0.94 V and 141 μA/cm², stayed stable under repeated deformation, and endured 1,040 stretching cycles.

It also showed negligible performance loss after 8,000 bending cycles, making it promising for wearable and health-monitoring electronics.