Novel hydrovoltaic electricity generator based on electrospun recycled PET nanofibrous membranes

초록

Hydrovoltaic energy harvesting, which converts natural water evaporation into useful electricity, has emerged as a promising technology for sustainable power generation. However, most existing devices rely on pristine or specially synthesized materials, limiting their environmental benefits and sustainability. In this study, we report a waste-derived hydrovoltaic electricity generator using nanofibrous membranes fabricated from electrospun recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r-PET). To overcome the intrinsic hydrophobicity of r-PET, the nanofibrous membranes were modified via carbon black (CB) coating, which effectively enhanced surface wettability and capillary-driven water transport, while simultaneously improving porosity and mechanical robustness. A single recycled-PET nanofibrous hydrovoltaic electricity generator (r-PHEG, 20.0 & times; 40.0 & times; 0.7 mm(3)) produced an open-circuit voltage (V-OC) of similar to 206 mV and a short-circuit current (I-SC) of similar to 127 mu A upon LiCl activation, and maintained a continuous output of similar to 155 mV and similar to 91 mu A for over 24 h. Scaling experiments demonstrated nearly linear voltage enhancement in series configurations (up to similar to 1.07 V) and significant current amplification in parallel assemblies (similar to 587 mu A). In addition, comparative analysis with previously reported waste-derived hydrovoltaic systems revealed that r-PHEG exhibits higher or comparable performance despite its low-cost and sustainable origins. Overall, this work demonstrates a sustainability-oriented route for converting post-consumer PET waste into an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold for evaporation-driven hydrovoltaic electricity generation. By combining waste-plastic upcycling, CB-assisted wettability modification, capillary water transport, and modular device integration, the proposed r-PHEG platform highlights the potential of recycled polymer feedstocks for low-cost and eco-friendly energy-harvesting applications.

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