Recent advances and challenges for water evaporation-induced electricity toward applications

• Published in: Nano energy 2021-07, Vol.85, p.105979, Article 105979
• Main Authors: Dao, Van-Duong, Vu, Ngoc Hung, Thi Dang, Hai-Linh, Yun, Sining
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electricity generation; Hybrid device; Self-powered generator; Tandem devices; Water evaporation
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.105979

Water evaporation-induced electricity generation technology has become an extremely interesting issue recently for supplying both freshwater and electricity. This review concentrates on advances in the recent development of water evaporation-induced electricity generation systems for possible application in the Internet of Things, resistive switching memory, devices collecting big data. Additionally, its application in powering some small electronic devices, energy storage, electrochemical deposition and electrochemical cells are also specifically clarified in this work. We divided water evaporation-induced electricity generation systems into three classifications, including tandem devices, hybrid devices, and self-powered generators. The mechanism and application of each electricity generation system are also carefully discussed. Lastly, future opportunities and difficulties to develop water evaporation-induced electricity generation systems are also mentioned. [Display omitted] •Advances in the recent development of light to water evaporation-induced electricity systems have been reviewed.•The ways to improve output power are highlighted.•The mechanism of electricity generation is discussed.•The scalable applications of light to steam-induced electricity systems are discussed.•The crucial challenges in this field are emphasized.