Mechano-electrochemical energy harvesting and self-powered sensing via dynamic liquid metal–electrolyte interfaces

Wearable devices, stretchable sensors, and soft electronics benefit from harvesting ambient energy using compliant materials, yet existing approaches often face limitations in power density, scalability, and electrode adaptability. Here, we report a liquid metal mechano-electrochemical energy harvester (LMMEEH) that converts mechanical stimuli into electricity through dynamically regulated electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Mechanical motion changes the interfacial area and drives asymmetric Faradaic reactions associated with dynamic oxide formation and dissolution, generating electrical output. The fluidity, high surface tension, and self-renewing surface chemistry of liquid metals enable rapid interfacial reformation, large reversible deformation, and stable cyclic operation. The device achieves a power density of 140.2 microwatts per square meter and scales to a 40-unit array producing 2 volts. Spatial and temporal programming of the liquid metal interfaces further enables synchronized three-phase alternating-current generation. We demonstrate wave-driven emergency lighting, self-powered pressure sensing, and real-time physiological monitoring. This work establishes dynamic liquid metal electrochemical interfaces as a scalable strategy for soft mechanical energy harvesting and self-powered electronics.