Highly increased hydrovoltaic power generation via surfactant optimization of carbon black solution for cellulose microfiber cylindrical generator

Abstract

Recently, abnormal climates caused by environmental pollution have adversely affected the world, and demand for future renewable energy is increasing rapidly. Electronic generators, which allow current to flow through the interaction between conductive particles and water, are gaining significant attention. We have fabricated hydrovoltaic power generators with materials that can maximize the electrokinetic effects by simple dip-coating process. We prepare carbon black solutions and then coat this solution onto the cellulose acetate microfiber cylinder (CMC) for the electrode. In addition, optimization of the carbon black solutions is conducted by measuring and analyzing their surface properties to obtain stable electrical energy. Various carbon black solutions are prepared using cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and a nonionic surfactant. Each solution is then dip-coated onto cellulose nanofibers and dried to form a cellulose acetate microfiber cylindrical generator (CMCG). Both sides of CMCG are connected to an electrometer for electricity generation measurement, and a drop of 0.1 ml CaCl2 aqueous solution is dropped onto one side of CMCG. Finally, we can successfully fabricate a hydrovoltaic power generator with a large power output relative to its volume. A small CMCG of 2.5 cm had a current of 100 µA and a voltage of 0.3 V.