Carbon Cloth Functionalized with Carbon Nanotubes for Hydroelectric Power Generation

Abstract

Since hydroelectric power generation was reported, the low power density has been a key challenge for practical application. Realizing a stable power supply and high power density for hydroelectric power generation is the most important point. In this work, a combined water evaporation and capacitor device incorporating nanomaterials was designed, comprising zinc metal, diaphragms, and carbon cloth (CC) that were scraped and coated with treated carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Carbon nanotubes as nanomaterials greatly increase the evaporation rate and power density of the device, with a stable supply of 300 μW/cm 2 . The electrostatic simulation plots demonstrate that the additional effect of CNTs promotes the transfer of electrons, which is more favorable for the generation of the current potential. The electrostatic simulation plots demonstrate that the additional effect of CNTs promotes the transfer of electrons, which is more favorable to the generation of the current potential. Through simple device integration, the current and other parameters of the device could be flexibly changed according to the actual needs. The current of the device after a series connection could reach a high level of 4 mA. The device has the potential to directly power batteries and other small electronic devices, making it a promising sustainable energy source.