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

Abstract

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 (mu A) 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. (c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).