Hydropower generation by transpiration from microporous alumina

Abstract Traditional hydropower generation is one of the most sustainable energy sources; however, local environmental impact hydroelectric dams and reservoirs serious, power requires high-cost turbines generators. Because these installations utilize gravitational potential massive volumes falling water, this sort unsuitable for ubiquitous, small-scale production. Here, we report that wetting evaporation pure water from a tiny block porous alumina generates electrical current in direction transpiration. The induced microporous associated with mass transport accompanying ions accumulate near negatively charged surface pores. Without any pre-treatment or additives, once commences, 3 × cm 2 piece can generate an open-circuit voltage as large 0.27 V. scheme propose here simple, clean, versatile, it be employed anywhere, utilizes only spontaneous capillary action Coulombic interaction at alumina-water interface, without requiring input heat light.