Domestic researchers have developed a fiber-based electronic device technology capable of generating electricity using only ambient light sources without an external power source, while simultaneously detecting harmful gases. By implementing a self-generating safety sensor on a single strand of fiber, the potential for application in smart clothing and wearable devices for industrial safety has been suggested.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science announced on the 8th that it has developed metal-organic framework (MOF)-based multifunctional fiber electronic device technology in collaboration with Pusan National University.

In this study, a team led by Principal Researcher Song Myung-kwan of the Energy and Environmental Materials Research Division implemented a structure capable of simultaneously performing photoelectric conversion and hazardous gas detection on a single fiber strand.

The key feature of this device is the integration of photoelectric functions, which convert ambient light such as sunlight into electricity, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) detection functions into a single fiber by applying MOF materials to the fiber.

The research team explained that the self-generating structure, which operates without a separate external power supply, can reduce reliance on batteries.

The research team predicted that the technology could be applied to various fields, such as smart clothing, wearable devices for industrial safety, and self-generating IoT sensors.

In particular, the position is that it has the potential to be utilized as a foundational technology to meet the demand for safety monitoring of workers exposed to hazardous environments.