Research Projects

Hydrovoltics technology is a recent development for solar energy harvesting using solvent molecules and nanoporus surfaces. Initially, electrical power generation was reported through water molecules with CNT and graphene. This project aims to investigate the asymatric charge distribution due to solar induced evaporation on nanoporus surfaces, leading to the development of electrical power. Various theories have been developed to understand hydrovoltaic power generation, including streaming potential, electric double layer (EDL), pseudocapacitance mechanism, and ion diffusion-induced mechanism. Different types of devices have been investigated for producing electrical power, with evaporation-induced electricity generation being the most suitable for large-scale production. The project aims to optimize materials and devices for solar energy-induced hydrovoltaic power generation. To enhance the interaction of water molecules with nanoporous structures, functionalization of nanomaterials and exploration of solvent and ionic liquids will be explored. Device structures will be optimized for large-scale applications, including multiple wall cylindrical devices and stacking of thin-film devices. The mechanism of hydrovoltaic power generation will be investigated through a transistor-like device structure and impedance measurement and electrochemical studies.