A review of self-powered high-precision humidity sensors from device structure design to key material enhancement

Yi Xiao; Chenyue Guo; Huping Yan; Dongliang Zhao; Peng Tan; Ronghui Qi

doi:10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100099

The Innovation Energy > 2025 Vol. 2 > No. 3 > 100099

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A review of self-powered high-precision humidity sensors from device structure design to key material enhancement

1.
Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer and Energy Conservation of Education Ministry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
2.
School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096 China
3.
Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, 230026 China
4.
School of Mechanical Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, China
5.
These authors contribute equally

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Corresponding authors: dongliang_zhao@seu.edu.cn (D.Z.); pengtan@ustc.edu.cn (P.T.); qirh@scut.edu.cn (R.Q.)
Received Date: November 19, 2024

Accepted Date: February 25, 2025

Published Online: July 02, 2025

The Innovation Energy 2(3), https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100099 | Cite this article

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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PUBLIC SUMMARY

PUBLIC SUMMARY
1. Advances and performance regulations in self-powered humidity sensors were summarized.
  
  2D materials enhance sensitivity while 3D materials broaden detection ranges.
  
  Planar design shows rapid sensor response and sandwich structures boost output.
  
  Hydrophilic-hydrophobic transitions balance response and recovery times.
  
  Optimized thickness, electrode spacing, and additives regulate moisture adsorption.

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

Compact humidity sensors are vital for environmental monitoring and biomedical applications. In contrast to conventional impedance-based devices that require external power, self-powered humidity sensors autonomously generate signals through moisture absorption and desorption, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources. These sensors exhibit exceptional material adaptability and operational stability. This review systematically examines two emerging types of self-powered sensors: moisture-induced redox-based (MIR) and moisture-enabled generator-based (MEG) sensors. The focus is on their structural designs, development of hygroscopic mediums, performance metrics (e.g., response/recovery time, detection range, durability), and potential applications. MIR sensors leverage redox-induced ion migration to produce high-output signals, whereas MEG sensors utilize humidity-driven ion and H₂O mobility for rapid response. Structural comparisons reveal that sandwich configurations surpass planar designs in response speed (~0.1 second) and compactness, while planar structures excel in measurement linearity, particularly with layered hygroscopic mediums. Importantly, the development of hygroscopic materials proves to be more critical and complex than structural optimization. Two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and MXenes, enhance sensor sensitivity, while three-dimensional materials, like hydrogels and MOFs, improve hygroscopicity and chemical tunability. However, excessive hygroscopicity, while advantageous for lowering detection limits, undermines response speed due to delayed desorption kinetics. Analyses highlight persistent challenges in self-powered sensors, including nonlinear humidity responses and reduced accuracy, especially under low-humidity conditions. To address these limitations, several strategies are proposed: integrating 2D and 3D materials to balance water adsorption and directional migration; incorporating ion-conductive additives to enhance ion transport; and engineering optimal hydrophilicity to accelerate adsorption and desorption. Strengthening interfacial interactions between electrodes and hygroscopic mediums through surface functionalization is also suggested. This critical review offers foundational insights to guide the development of next-generation autonomous humidity sensors.
- Self-powered humidity sensor /
- electrochemical-based /
- moisture-enabled generator-based /
- ion migration /
- structural design /
- hygroscopic material

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Xiao Y., Guo C., Yan H., et al. (2025). A review of self-powered high-precision humidity sensors from device structure design to key material enhancement. The Innovation Energy 2:100099. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100099

Xiao Y., Guo C., Yan H., et al. (2025). A review of self-powered high-precision humidity sensors from device structure design to key material enhancement. The Innovation Energy 2:100099. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100099

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