Scale-like compliant gold electrode: Towards high strain capacitive devices for energy harvesting

• This paper is to propose an alternative of piezoelectric generators without the inherent limitations of this technology like depolarization, very stiff, etc.
• Modeling that is able to predict the energy harvesting capabilities of an electroactive polymer.
• New method for realized compliant electrode.

Highly compliant electrodes are of primary importance for high strain capacitive energy harvesting. Herein, we present a compliant gold sputtered electrode on a natural rubber substrate. Electrical conductivity remained remarkably good even at strains of 500%. The robustness of the electrodes has been assessed in fatigue tests and resistivity of less than 25 Ω cm−1 were observed after 1500 cycles between 200% and 300% strain. These electrodes were then used in harvesting energy for large strains and experimental energy densities up to 3.3 mJ cm−3 cycle−1 have been recorded, showing the capabilities of such electrodes for efficiently ensuring electrical contact under high strain for converting mechanical energy into electricity.