Enhancing output performance of surface-modified wood sponge-carbon black ink hygroelectric generator via moisture-triggered galvanic cell. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Kun; Cai, Ling; Nilghaz, Azadeh; Chen, Guangxue; Wan, Xiaofang; Tian, Junfei
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 98(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Hygroelectric generator -- Wood sponge -- Carbon black ink -- Atmospheric moisture -- Primary battery -- High power output; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107288
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: A promising strategy to use alkali and alkaline earth metals chloride as an ideal high-efficiency atmospheric moisture catcher has been introduced in hygroelectric generator (HEG) engineering. However, the achievement of high output power density for commercial electronics by most HEGs is challenging. To address this issue, a novel approach is proposed to generate highly efficient HEGs. The approach relies on the use of carbon black (CB) ink to modify the surface of wood sponge with an LiCl solution, and copper electrodes to generate a highly efficient device with the power output of 216 μW. Specifically, the primary battery system composed of Cu electrodes and CB ink in water interface can compensate for decrease in streaming potential to further improve the output performance of the system, and successfully solve the problem of low output power of HEGs as an independent power source. Furthermore, the influences of different electrodes on electricity generation are comprehensively and systematically investigated for the first time. Moreover, the open-circuit voltage ( V OC ) of a HEG can be boosted to 33 V by simple integration in series, and it can drive commercial electronic devices in various weather conditions. It is anticipated that this new approach will facilitate the growth of green electronics in the future. Graphical Abstract: HEG has been successfully manufactured from functionalizing wood sponge-absorbing carbon black (CB) nanoparticle inks, using chloride salt as moisture catcher, and including copper electrodes. When LiCl solution is dropped in porous CB films, the primary battery system composed of Cu electrodes and CB ink in water interface can not only compensate for the decrease in streaming potential but also further improve the output performance of the system. ga1 Highlights: Highly efficient HEG is fabricated with significantly improved power output. Porous wood sponge is firstly used to harvest electricity from atmospheric moisture. The influence of electrodes on the electrical properties is systematically studied. This HEG has excellent electrical output stability in harsh environment conditions.