Transient, Biodegradable Energy Systems as a Promising Power Solution for Ecofriendly and Implantable Electronics

Along with the rapid growth in electronics technology, electrical power solutions are developed to provide high-performance, reliable, and durable energy supplies to various electronic devices. However, conventional power systems are challenging owing to serious after-use considerations, including environmental costs and biological hazards of eliminating heavy metals and other toxins. Here, this Perspective provides a comprehensive review of recent progress in techniques associated with transient, biodegradable, environment-friendly energy solutions, including batteries, supercapacitors, energy harvesters utilizing various types of energy sources (e.g., biochemical, physical/mechanical, or thermal), and external energy transfer strategies (e.g., inductive coupling/radiofrequency, photovoltaic, or ultrasonic). Key features, practical examples, existing challenges, and finally possible future directions for transient, biodegradable energy solutions with unmet approaches yet are presented.