Flexible electrochemical film power supply with disposable glucose-based energy patch as a reconfigurable epidermal energy device

This paper reports a flexible electrochemical film power supply with a disposable glucose-based energy patch as an epidermal energy device. The electrical power is independently generated from the electrochemical reaction between the glucose oxidase (GOx) and glucose molecules which are immobilized on the cathode. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) are employed to enhance the electrons transfer from the active center of the enzyme to the electrode as well as to catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H
₂
O
₂
) from the decomposing of glucose to prevent enzyme deactivation. The glucose-based energy patch is disposable that could be replaced when it is used up. Moreover, the device is fabricated by inkjet printing which enables direct writing and additive manufacture under low temperature to meet the requirement of flexible and stretchable substrates for epidermal electronics.