Mechanism Investigation on Humidity Gradient Power Generation Based on the Double-layer Effect in Nanomaterial
YAN Huping, LIU Zhen, QI Ronghui
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Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Published
2023-12-28
Issue Date
2024-02-28
Abstract
The uneven distribution of environmental humidity is commonly observed in nature and contains a significant amount of available energy. The utilization of humidity gradient to drive the directional movement of electrons or free ions in nanomaterials, thereby generating usable electrical energy, holds great development potential. However, the process of free ion transport in nano-channels remains unclear. In this study, we established theoretical model for humidity-driven power generation, which considers the double layer effect in micro-nano channels. The model was numerically solved using Comsol Multiphysics software and experimentally validated. The results demonstrated that nano-channels exhibit selective permeability to the free ions flowing through them, with greater surface potential leading to stronger ion selectivity and higher voltage output. Furthermore, the longer the length of the channels, the greater the voltage output under humidity-driven conditions, consistent with the practical performance of power generators. This simulation can be utilized to analyze the ion distribution within nanomaterial and predict the voltage output of different types and sizes of nanoparticles, providing guidance for the material selection and fabrication in future.
YAN Huping, LIU Zhen, QI Ronghui.
Mechanism Investigation on Humidity Gradient Power Generation Based on the Double-layer Effect in Nanomaterial[J]. Journal of Engineering Thermophysics, 2024, 45(1): 230-234