New generator generates electricity from seawater

South Korean researchers have “Energy harvesterOr a generator that draws electricity from power sources that are not normally used. Your generator uses the motion of Sodium ions in seawater.

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like a self-charging battery

The device, developed at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), uses… carbon nanotubes and special treatment graphene oxide As the cathode and anode and sea water as the electrolyte. So the generator is built similarly to a battery. galvanic cell.

Due to the properties of the materials, the positively charged sodium ions in seawater collect near the positive electrode, while the negative ions collect near the cathode. This creates a potential difference, i.e. Electrical voltageThe generator developed by Korean researchers has the advantage of continuous operation.

Until now, these energy harvesting devices have required an external power source to keep the water moving and thus enable continuous operation. open circuit That’s not necessary for the South Korean researchers. “This technology allows for continuous self-charging, so it can be used without external power,” says lead researcher Hyun Seung-min.

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Suitable for marine sensors

The newly developed generator has a slightly lower power density. 25 milliwatts per cubic centimeterIt is therefore suitable for small devices such as sensors. It could be launched into the sea to measure environmental factors such as temperature or oxygen saturation. If you connect several generators together, you can generate even more power, according to the research team.