연구/산학
PKNU Research 1000
| Kim Yong-hyun | Develop Wearable Hydrogel Sensor Capable of Generating Electricity from Seawater | |||
| 작성자 | 대외홍보센터 | 작성일 | 2025-03-25 |
| 조회수 | 54 | ||
| Kim Yong-hyun | Develop Wearable Hydrogel Sensor Capable of Generating Electricity from Seawater | |||||
 |
대외홍보센터 |  |
2025-03-25 |  |
54 |
Pukyong National University-KIST, Develop Wearable Hydrogel Sensor Capable of Generating Electricity from Seawater
- Professor Kim Yong-hyun's Team Publishes in International Journal <Chemical Engineering Journal>
A next-generation hydrogel that is highly conductive, flexible, and capable of generating electricity using seawater has been developed, drawing attention.
Professor Kim Yong-hyun from Pukyong National University (Department of Display Semiconductor Engineering) and Dr. Kim Min-seok from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) led a research team to create this hydrogel by combining carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a conductive polymer material, PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)).
PEDOT:PSS is a key material that enhances the electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of the CMC-PVA-based hydrogel. Developed by Kim Yong-hyun’s faculty startup, AH Materials, this material maintains stable electrical signals even with repetitive movements. The addition of a crosslinking agent further improves its durability and performance.
The hydrogel developed this time boasts excellent electrical properties, mechanical flexibility, and stretchability, making it suitable for use as a wearable sensor that can be attached to the skin to detect human movements in real-time.
The research team used hydrogel to create sensors that were attached to various parts of the body to monitor biometric signals. By analyzing the data with AI, they demonstrated high accuracy. With its excellent properties, this hydrogel can not only be applied to the skin but also integrated into clothing, significantly enhancing the convenience and accuracy of medical services.
In particular, the research team also confirmed the potential of this hydrogel as an eco-friendly renewable energy material. Through experiments that utilized the difference in ion concentration between the hydrogel's moisture and seawater, they were able to generate electricity capable of lighting an LED, proving its potential as a sustainable power source.
The research findings were published in the renowned international journal <Chemical Engineering Journal> (IF=13.4) under the title ‘Extremely-low electrical-hysteresis hydrogels for multifunctional wearable sensors and osmotic power generators.’
Professor Kim Yong-hyun, who led the research, stated, "This hydrogel, which combines conductivity and flexibility, is expected to contribute to the development of wearable devices that integrate naturally with the human body and the advancement of soft electronics." Dr. Kim Min-seok added, "Electricity generation using the natural salinity of seawater provides new insights into the development of sustainable energy."