Well-controlled preparation of WO3-x/WSe2 sponges by electric field-assisted laser-induced plasma deposition for hydrovoltaic

Abstract

Hydrovoltaic, which converts the energy of water into electrical energy, is a regenerative energy harvesting method that utilizes the earth's sufficient water resources. Electricity production relies on water molecules interaction with functional materials. Strategies like surface modification, structure engineering, and ion doping can be used to increase output performance. We present an electric field-assisted laser-induced plasma deposition method to prepare WO3-x/WSe2 sponges for water-induced electricity generation. By adjusting the electric field strength, we are able to control the porosity, Se vacancies, and O doping of the sponges. These modifications directly impact the performance of water-induced electricity generation by altering the streaming potential and ion diffusion gradient of sponge structures. The prepared WO3-x/WSe2 sponges can participate in the complete water cycle to achieve the energy harvesting of different forms of water, obtaining droplet-induced voltages of 65.4 mV and moisture-induced voltages of 207.1 mV. This overcomes the limitation of single-stimulation water-induced electricity systems that require specific conditions. When exposed to Sunlight, the photosensitive properties of WO3-x and WSe2 can lead to a current up to 7 times higher than that produced in darkness. Furthermore, this research can be expanded to develop other two-dimensional materials and be utilized in various applications, such as the self-powering of flexible and wearable electronic devices.