Green Energy Applications of Hematite (α-Fe2O3), Magnetite (Fe3O4), and Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) Nanoparticles Based Hydroelectric Cell

Abstract

Recently invented hydroelectric cell (HEC) is emerging as a better alternative for green electrical energy devices. HEC is fabricated as to generate electricity via splitting of water into H3O+ and OH− ions without releasing any toxic product. In iron oxides, Hematite (α-Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles HEC are recently reported for their remarkable electrical response by splitting water molecules. Fe3O4 HEC 4.8 cm2 surface size has delivered 50 mA short circuits current. Li ions into Fe3O4 stabilize electrical cell response to 44.91 mA with open-circuit voltage 0.68 V. Maghemite based HEC delivered a maximum short circuit current 19 mA with emf 0.85 V using water 200 μL. Maximum off-load output power 27.6 mW has been delivered by 4.84 cm2 area hematite-HEC which is 3.52 times higher with 7.84 mW power as generated by Li-Mg ferrite HEC. Maximum electrical power 16.15 mW delivered by maghemite HEC is 0.58, 0.42 times lower than respective magnetite, hematite HECs. In more applicability of iron oxides, the multiferroic nanocomposites of BaTiO3 with 85% CoFe2O4 has been shown maximum short circuit current 7.93 mA and 0.7 V emf by sprinkling few drops of water on HEC surface. Li0.3Ni0.4Fe2.3O4 and Mg0.8Li0.2Fe2O4 HECs also have some remarkable results for green energy generation.