Asymmetric GO-PPy based energy generator via synergistic flowing potential and ionovoltaic effect

Harvesting energy from ambient water, a renewable technology of generating electrical energy, promises to relieve the worldwide energy shortage. However, most of the electricity from ambient water is flowing potential, which has a short duration and is greatly affected by external conditions. Herein, a graphene oxide-polypyrrole-nonwoven fabric (GO-PPy-NWF) with asymmetric structure based water-induced energy generator is developed to harvest electricity via synergistic flowing potential and ionovoltaic effect. Electric power of ∼0.86 V and ∼40 μA can be harvested for ∼40 min with 0.1 mL brine or seawater infiltrating into the generator. Moreover, under one sun, the GO-PPy-NWF achieves electric power up to ∼0.93 V due to rapid evaporation. The GO-PPy-NWF harvests electricity by water to light up light emitting diodes (LEDs) and small electronic devices, showing good practicability prospects with flexibility, low cost and sustainability.