Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons via Origami-Like Self-Folding
Published on: September 23, 2018
Electricity Generation from Capillary-Driven Ionic Solution Flow in a Three-Dimensional Graphene Membrane
Abstract:
Harvesting energy from the ambient environment provides great promise in the applications of micro/nanodevices and self-powered systems. Herein, we report a novel energy-scavenging method where an ionic solution infiltrating into a three-dimensional graphene (3DG) membrane can spontaneously generate electricity under ambient conditions. A constructed 3DG nanogenerator (3DGNG) with an effective size of 0.5 × 2 cm can produce a continuous voltage of ∼0.28 V and a remarkable output current of ∼62 μA. The voltage is higher than those generated from the interaction between water and carbon nanomaterials in previous research typically in the range of microvolts to millivolts. Moreover, we demonstrate the potential application of the 3DGNG by illuminating a liquid crystal display (LCD) directly with 10 3DGNGs in series. These results present a novel avenue for energy harvesting and show bright potential applications in small devices and self-powered systems.
Related Concept Videos
Ionic Radii
The Power Flow Problem and Solution
Ionic Bonds
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Electrolyte and Nonelectrolyte Solutions
Electric Generator: Alternator
The magnetic flux passing through the coil varies sinusoidally as the loop rotates inside the magnetic field. This...

