Nanocomposite based hydroelectric cells: Working principle and production of green electrical energy

Abstract

Hydroelectric cells were prepared to produce the electricity through the splitting of water molecules into hydronium and hydroxide ions at room temperature. Hydroelectric cells of WO3 loaded SnO2 nanocomposite produce electricity without emission of any toxic gas or by-products. The structural, morphological and hydroelectric properties of the nanocomposites were analyzed by using powder X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectra. Adsorption-desorption isothermal curves, pore size distribution and pore volume were investigated by using Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda technique. Ionic diffusion of the dissociated H3O+ and OH– ions have been investigated by dielectric and dc conductivity measurements of all the samples in dry and wet states. Powder X-ray Diffraction pattern validates the biphasic composite having monoclinic WO3 phase and tetragonal SnO2 phase. Surface chemical analysis and oxygen defect study were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectrum. The uniform grain distribution along with well crystalline morphology was observed by SEM micrographs. Circular cells of WO3 loaded SnO2 nanocomposite samples of 2-inch diameter have been prepared to investigate the hydroelectric properties. The fabricated HEC of 19.63 cm2 area of 10 wt% WO3 loaded SnO2 nanocomposite delivers maximum short circuit current, open-circuit voltage and off-load output power as 655 mA, 0.959 V, 628 mW, respectively. Output power exhibited by WO3 - SnO2 nanocomposite based Hydroelectric Cell is considerable and has appeared as a feasible green energy source.