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.