University of Queensland researchers are developing indoor photovoltaic technology that could allow wearable health devices to operate without batteries or regular charging.
The research is focused on lead-free photovoltaic cells that harvest energy from indoor light and could eventually power devices including glucose sensors, ECG patches and sweat-based lactate and electrolyte monitors.
Perovskite indoor photovoltaics have emerged as a potential power source for wearable devices, but their use in skin-contact applications has been limited by toxic lead content.
UQ School of Chemical Engineering researcher Dr Miaoqiang Lyu is working on lead-free, low-toxicity alternatives that can be customised for different wearable devices.
“Wearable health devices such as glucose sensors, ECG patches and sweat-based lactate and electrolyte patches support preventative healthcare and improve quality of life, but limitations with their batteries can be challenging for users,” Dr Lyu said.
“Batteries need regular charging and eventual replacement while indoor photovoltaic technologies have the potential to provide a low-maintenance source of clean energy.”
Dr Lyu has received a UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award to develop a prototype capable of powering wearable health monitoring sensors.
His team has previously developed a scalable vapour-deposition method that removes toxic lead and hazardous solvents from the manufacturing of indoor photovoltaics.
The new research will further develop lead-free perovskite indoor photovoltaics using thermal evaporation, a manufacturing process with potential to be scaled up.
Dr Lyu said the technology could ultimately allow wearable health devices to operate continuously without batteries, charging or interruptions to data collection.
“The potential benefits are particularly relevant for people managing chronic illness, and communities in regional and remote locations where access to healthcare services can be more challenging,” he said.
“If successful, lead-free indoor photovoltaics could help enable a new generation of healthcare devices that are safer, more sustainable and easier to use in everyday life.”
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