Fabrication of biomass derived moisture diffusion energy harvester and statistical analysis of governing factors affecting its performance

• Published in: Energy reports 2022-11, Vol.8, p.6171-6180
• Main Authors: Gim, Sa-Myeong, Ahmed, Muhammad Ajaz, Thithai, Vilaysit, Choi, Joon Weon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Biomass; Electric Double Layer; Energy harvesting; Moisture diffusion; Renewable Energy
• ISSN: 2352-4847; 2352-4847
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2022.04.053

In this study, corn stover was carbonized and subjected to a two-step treatment (milling & surface modification) for the preparation of biomass derived activated carbon (Bio-AC). These Bio-ACs were then successfully incorporated for the fabrication of biomass-derived moisture diffusion energy harvester (Bio-MDEH). Characteristics of Bio-ACs such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), elemental analysis and zeta potential proved that both the milling & surface modification by acid treatment significantly enhanced the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the Bio-ACs. These Bio-ACs were then coated onto a fibrous material to finally fabricate the Bio-MDEH. The performance of this Bio-MDEH was evaluated by measuring open-circuit voltage (mV), short-circuit current (μA) and the maximum voltage obtained from this device was 826.6 mV. Additionally, touch sensor, soil moisture sensor and light sensor powered by Bio-MDEH showed the signal changes of 1.6 V, 0.85 mV and 50 mV, respectively. Finally, the governing factors affecting the Bio-MDEH’s performance were identified by performing t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The correlated parameters with device’s performance were oxygen/carbon (O/C) ratio, external surface area in a moderate correlation and mesoporous surface areas, conductivity in a strong correlation. This adapted approach seems to be an acceptable option for bio renewable energy harvesting devices. •Moisture diffusion energy harvester was fabricated from biomass.•Maximum open-circuit voltage/short-circuit current were 923 mV/3.07 μA, respectively.•Mesoporous carbon structures facilitate formation of electric double layer and ion movement.•Acid treatment was the key step of surface modification to enhance power generation.