Supplying power to wearable devices without causing inconvenience remains a challenge. Korean researchers at Chung-Ang University (Prof. Sangmin Lee), and Yonsei University (Prof. Jinkee Hong, Dr. Hyungseok Yong), have developed a novel technology that can simultaneously generate cellular and electrical energy without the need for batteries, wires, or generators, using the body-mediated energy transfer technique. The research has been published in ACS Energy Letters.

 Electrical stimulation is considered a promising technique in smart healthcare, and wearable devices play a crucial role in healthcare applications. However, existing electrical stimulation methods were limited to hospitals and faced practical difficulties due to batteries and wires. The research team discovered the localized concentration of electrical fields when electromagnetic fields are transmitted through the human body. Through body-mediated energy transfer, they successfully produced cellular energy and demonstrated its ability to reduce muscle fatigue through electromyography (EMG) analysis. The stimulation occurred beneath the skin and enabled the continuous operation of a small display. Notably, this technology generates electrical and cellular energy through everyday actions like holding a smartphone or walking, without the need for batteries, wires, or generators.

 Prof. Lee said that "This technology can overcome the limitations of wearable technology and non-invasive electrical stimulation therapy. It holds the potential for innovative advancements in various industries, including medical devices, wearable technology, and eco-friendly power generation."

Synchronous Energy Generation of Cellular and Electrical Energy through Body-Mediated Energy Harvesting (ACS Energy Letters, 2023)

[Reference] Yong, H. et al. “Synchronous Generation of Electrical and Cellular Energies via Body-Mediated Energy Transfer: Inevitable Electric Field Concentration”, ACS Energy Letters (2023), 
doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.3c00708 

[Main Author] Prof. Sangmin Lee (Chung-Ang University), Prof. Jinkee Hong (Yonsei University), Ph.D. Hyungseok Yong (Yonsei University, Chung-Ang University), Hyeonhui Song (Yonsei University), Dongchang Kim (Chung-Ang University)

* Contact : _slee98@cau.ac.kr_(S. Lee)

_jinkee.hong@yonsei.ac.kr__(J. Hong)