journal article·2026-03Open access

Bio‐Based Wax Interfaces for Droplet Energy Harvesting at Fluoropolymer‐Like Output Levels

Behnam Kamare, Mahla Shahabi, Matteo Carpi de Resmini, Tiago Fernandes, Fabian Meder

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 15

Abstract

Abstract Droplet impact and rebound on solid surfaces has emerged as a promising method for energy harvesting, typically demonstrated using fluorinated polymers that generate high voltages via liquid–solid contact electrification. However, these materials are non‐degradable and environmentally unsustainable. To address this limitation, bio‐based waxes ‐ selected by their potential role in environmental electrification processes ‐ are explored as sustainable alternatives. Voltage, current, and charge generation are systematically analyzed from water droplets impacting wax‐coated surfaces. Remarkably, natural waxes such as beeswax, operculum wax, and epicuticular plant waxes produced peak voltages up to 500 V and comparable current levels (≈20–40 µA, 10–20 mW peak power) to fluorinated materials under identical conditions. Building on these findings, a flexible, modular, and biodegradable droplet energy harvester is designed using zinc electrodes and wax‐coated electrification sites. By guiding droplets through predefined sliding paths and gates, multiple energy harvesting events per droplet are achieved. These results demonstrate that high‐performance droplet energy harvesting is possible using sustainable materials and tunable harvester design. Additionally, they reveal the need for further investigation of the liquid‐solid electrification mechanism on non‐fluorinated surfaces, both in engineered systems and in nature.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Innovative Energy Harvesting Technologies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Surface Phenomena and Integrated Systems The BioRobotics Institute Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies Pisa 56216 Italy

Graduate School of Life Sciences, Master’s Programme in Bio‐Inspired Innovation Utrecht University Utrecht 3584 CH The Netherlands

Funding

HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council

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