CityUHK researchers created 3D-printed smart materials inspired by sea urchin spines that generate electricity from water flow, enabling self-powered underwater sensing.

Researchers at CityUHK have created 3D-printed smart materials mimicking sea urchin spines, which generate up to 100 millivolts of electricity from water flow due to their gradient porous structure. Using vat photopolymerization, they replicated the spine’s microstructure, boosting voltage threefold and signal strength eightfold compared to non-gradient designs. The resulting sensor detects underwater flow in real time without external power, proving that function stems from topology, not material composition. This breakthrough enables self-sensing materials for marine monitoring, underwater exploration, water management, and aerospace applications, showcasing nature-inspired engineering with integrated sensing and structural capabilities.