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Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Generation and Control of Electrohydrodynamic Flows in Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Published on: September 7, 2018
Electricity generated by upstream proton diffusion in two-dimensional nanochannels
Heyi Xia1,2, Wanqi Zhou3, Xinyue Qu1
1Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Institute of Materials Research (IMR), Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
Researchers discovered upstream proton diffusion in MXene/poly(vinyl alcohol) films generates electricity. This novel hydrovoltaic effect, driven by proton dissociation, powers devices using small water droplets and could harvest energy from sweat.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Downstream ionic transport in nanochannels generates streaming potentials, enabling hydrovoltaic devices.
- Proton movement opposing water flow (upstream diffusion) has not been previously explored for electricity generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate electricity generation via upstream proton diffusion in two-dimensional nanochannels.
- To investigate the mechanism of proton dissociation and diffusion in MXene/poly(vinyl alcohol) films.
- To develop a wearable energy-harvesting device utilizing this phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of two-dimensional nanochannels using MXene/poly(vinyl alcohol) films.
- Infiltration of water into nanochannels to induce proton dissociation.
- Measurement of voltage generated by upstream proton diffusion.
- Development and testing of a wearable device using skin sweat.
Main Results:
- Upstream proton diffusion was confirmed as a mechanism for electricity generation.
- A small water droplet (5 µl) generated ~400 mV for over 330 minutes.
- The ultrathin and flexible film enabled the creation of a wearable energy-harvesting device.
Conclusions:
- Upstream proton diffusion in MXene/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanochannels offers a novel pathway for hydrovoltaic energy generation.
- The observed effect is driven by proton dissociation from surface functional groups and subsequent diffusion against water flow.
- This technology holds promise for developing flexible, wearable devices for harvesting energy from environmental moisture, such as human sweat.
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