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Zhou et al. Soft Sci. 2026, 6, 10 Page 3 of 47

The development of MEGT devices is transitioning from laboratory research to practical applications. These
devices hold great promise in fields such as energy supply, smart clothing, and multifunctional integration .
[44]
Leveraging the diversity and intrinsic properties of material systems, researchers have successfully
engineered power-generating functional layers that combine high energy conversion efficiency with
environmentally friendly and safe characteristics [45,46] . Device structures include one-dimensional (1D) linear,
two-dimensional (2D) thin-film, and three-dimensional (3D) multilayer gel configurations. Power
generation performance can also be enhanced by constructing asymmetric heterostructures [47-49] . Fibers or
fabrics with different device structures can be fabricated through processes such as wet spinning,
electrospinning, and dip coating [50-52] . Research in this field has evolved from early explorations of single
materials to the deep integration of power generation capabilities within fibers or fabrics through
sophisticated asymmetric device design and advanced textile processes such as spinning and weaving. This
approach enhances output power while improving wearable flexibility and integration. These devices can
drive low-power electronic devices [53,54] , serve as distributed micro-power sources in extreme scenarios [55,56] ,
and integrate flexibly with other devices [57,58] . Although research on MEGTs has made progress, it still faces
the challenge of low power density output in individual devices. During long-term operation, the ion
gradient gradually dissipates, affecting the device’s energy conversion efficiency [59,60] . Equipment
manufacturing is constrained by material costs, with expensive materials further driving up overall costs and
hindering industrial-scale production [50,61] . Adhesion issues between the power generation layer and
electrodes also remain unresolved. Further research on surface modification and enhancement of materials is
needed to synergistically improve moisture absorption capacity and environmental durability [62,63] . The key to
advancing current technology lies in addressing its core challenges in performance, stability, and durability.
Overcoming these challenges will enable applications in medical monitoring and human-machine
interaction, ultimately realizing truly self-powered, comfortable, and sustainable wearable systems.

This review covers the moisture-electric generation mechanisms, materials, device structures, manufacturing
processes, and application scenarios of MEGTs [Figure 1]. It focuses on exploring the potential for
large-scale manufacturing and integration of these devices, as well as their applications in specific fields. To
address challenges such as low power density, poor stability, and high costs, this paper proposes a synergistic
development path integrating mechanisms, materials, and processes. Looking ahead, breakthroughs in these
key technologies will enable MEGTs to achieve higher levels of integration and application in cutting-edge
fields such as imperceptible energy replenishment, smart sensing, and personalized medicine.

MOISTURE ELECTRIC GENERATION MECHANISMS
The mechanisms of MEGs primarily rely on the moisture absorption properties of materials, liquid-solid
interface interactions, and ion transport mechanisms. By utilizing the adsorption of moisture by solid
power-generation materials, water molecules interact with functional groups within the material and
dissociate into mobile ions. The concentration gradient formed within the moisture-absorbing layer drives
the directed migration of ions from regions of high to low concentration.

Interface effect
Interfacial water adsorption refers to the process whereby water molecules are captured at solid-gas or
solid-liquid interfaces by surface active sites on materials, forming interfacial water films or hydration layers
through physical or chemical adsorption. The atmospheric water cycle achieves efficient integration and
redistribution of water and energy between the atmosphere, land surface, and subsurface through
evaporation, transpiration, and precipitation [64,65] . When gaseous water molecules move freely in the
atmosphere, they possess high kinetic energy [66,67] . Upon approaching the surface of a hygroscopic material,
gaseous water molecules condense onto the solid surface . The distance between water molecules decreases,
[12]
enhancing their mutual interactions, reducing molecular kinetic energy, and increasing potential energy