Self-powered sensors

• Published in: Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry Vol. 400; no. 6; pp. 1605 - 1611
• Main Authors: Arechederra, Robert L., Minteer, Shelley D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2011; Springer
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Biological; Biomass energy; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Detection; Direct power generation; Electrochemical methods; Electrochemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Food Science; General, instrumentation; Laboratory Medicine; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Nuclear energy; Nuclear industry; Nuclear power generation; Nuclear reactor components; Nuclear reactors; Sensors; Strategy; Trends; Self-powered sensor; Nanogenerator; Biofuel cell; Biosensor; Electrochemical method; Review; Radioisotope; Chemical sensor; Conversion; Nuclear reactor; Design; Strategy; Miniaturization
• ISSN: 1618-2642; 1618-2650
• DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-4782-0

One of the problems associated with miniaturization and portability of sensors is the power supply. Power supplies, such as batteries, are difficult to miniaturize and require a sensor design that allows for easy replacement or recharging. This review describes the field of self-powered sensing, where the sensor itself provides the power for the sensing device. Most self-powered-sensing strategies employ either nuclear energy conversion or electrochemical energy conversion. Nuclear energy conversion is employed for radioisotope or nuclear reactor sensing. Electrochemical energy conversion is employed for chemical and biological sensing. This review details the common strategies for self-powered nuclear, chemical, and biological sensing and discusses the future of the technology. Figure Self powered electrochemical sensor oxidizing the analyte and reducing oxygen from the air to produce electrical current.