Improved Performance of Heat Source Free Water‐Floating Carbon Nanotube Thermoelectric Generators Controlling Wettability Using Atmospheric‐Pressure Plasma Jet and Waterproof Spray

Water-floating carbon nanotube thermoelectric generators (CNT-TEGs) can effectively power Internet of Things (IoT) applications. CNT-TEGs produce electricity by floating on water to generate a temperature gradient in the CNT films, where pumping via capillary action causes evaporation-induced cooling selected areas. However, amount required for target applications needs be increased. Therefore, wettability films is controlled various treatments increase evaporation and difference films. The contact angle droplet film surface related decreases upon atmospheric-pressure plasma jet irradiation increases waterproof spray treatment. Intermediate obtained combining two aforementioned treatments. Under environmental conditions light (1 kW m−2) wind (3 m s−1) at 20 °C, with combined treatment exhibit highest output voltage 3.9 mV, which 30% larger than that pristine CNT-TEG. At 60 13.1 mV achieved performance enhancement controlling under facilitate advancements IoT technology.