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Energy generation from water flow over a reduced graphene oxide surface in a paper–pencil device

IR@CMERI: CSIR- Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur

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Title Energy generation from water flow over a reduced graphene oxide surface in a paper–pencil device
 
Creator Arun, Ravi Kumar
Singh, Preeti
Biswas, Gautam
Chanda, Nripen
Chakraborty, Suman
 
Subject Lab-on-chip devices
 
Description Energy generation using liquid movement over a graphene surface generally demands a very high rate of flow (e.g. ∼100 ml min−1). In addition, a continuous flow of liquid is unable to generate a desired voltage, as it needs modification of the substrate such as development of nanopores and criss-cross network structures. Here, we report an ultra-low-cost yet highly efficient portable device for energy conversion, by exploiting the capillary flow of an electrolyte on a filter paper matrix in which a naturally deposited gradient of reduced graphene oxide is induced through chemical synthesis. In addition, the fibres and pores present in the paper offer a criss-cross network, acting as a natural splitter of a continuous flow into tiny droplets. Our methodology thus obviates the need for any elaborate procedure for pre-generation of droplets. Further, we fabricate the necessary electrodes on filter paper by simply scribing pencil tips on the same filter paper, which facilitates the necessary electrochemical reactions. Effectively, at the anode, electrons are released, which travel through the outer circuit for cation reduction at the cathode and deliver an electrical output (voltage/current), realizing the conversion of the chemical form of energy to the electrical form in the filter paper. An absorbent pad at the channel outlet ensures continuous flow of fresh solution in the device, resulting in an inexpensive platform for power generation over a prolonged period of time. A maximum current density of 325 mA cm−2 and a maximum power density of 53 mW cm−2 have been observed, which significantly outweigh the capabilities of other reported devices fabricated for similar purposes.
 
Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry
 
Date 2016
 
Type Article
PeerReviewed
 
Identifier Arun, Ravi Kumar and Singh, Preeti and Biswas, Gautam and Chanda, Nripen and Chakraborty, Suman (2016) Energy generation from water flow over a reduced graphene oxide surface in a paper–pencil device. Lab on a Chip, 16 (18). pp. 3589-3596.
 
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