A nanofluidic chemoelectrical generator with enhanced energy harvesting by ion-electron Coulomb drag

Yisha Jiang, Wenchao Liu, Tao Wang (), Yitian Wu, Tingting Mei, Li Wang, Guoheng Xu, Yude Wang (), Nannan Liu () and Kai Xiao ()
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Yisha Jiang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Wenchao Liu: Southern University of Science and Technology
Tao Wang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Yitian Wu: Southern University of Science and Technology
Tingting Mei: Southern University of Science and Technology
Li Wang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Guoheng Xu: Southern University of Science and Technology
Yude Wang: Yunnan University
Nannan Liu: Wenzhou University
Kai Xiao: Southern University of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract A sufficiently high current output of nano energy harvesting devices is highly desired in practical applications, while still a challenge. Theoretical evidence has demonstrated that Coulomb drag based on the ion-electron coupling interaction, can amplify current in nanofluidic energy generation systems, resulting in enhanced energy harvesting. However, experimental validation of this concept is still lacking. Here we develop a nanofluidic chemoelectrical generator (NCEG) consisting of a carbon nanotube membrane (CNTM) sandwiched between metal electrodes, in which spontaneous redox reactions between the metal and oxygen in electrolyte solution enable the movement of ions within the carbon nanotubes. Through Coulomb drag effect between moving ions in these nanotubes and electrons within the CNTM, an amplificated current of 1.2 mA cm−2 is generated, which is 16 times higher than that collected without a CNTM. Meanwhile, one single NCEG unit can produce a high voltage of ~0.8 V and exhibit a linear scalable performance up to tens of volts. Different from the other Coulomb drag systems that need additional energy input, the NCEG with enhanced energy harvesting realizes the ion-electron coupling by its own redox reactions potential, which provides a possibility to drive multiple electronic devices for practical applications.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52892-4

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