Hydrovoltaic Electricity Generator with Hygroscopic Materials: A Review and New Perspective (Adv. Mater. 12/2024)

Hydrovoltaic Electricity Generators The hydrovoltaic electricity generator (HEG) utilizes the surrounding water and/or moisture to expose the electrodes to dissimilar physicochemical environments, resulting in autonomous voltage and current generation. Therefore, hygroscopic materials such as hydrogels, which effectively absorb water, significantly enhance the electrical performance of HEGs. Through meticulous discussion, Il-Doo Kim and co-workers present in article number 2301080 various considerations, including the selection of nanomaterials, mechanisms, electrode design, and form factors, for the development of high-performance HEGs. In particular, the authors elucidate the pivotal role and application strategies of hygroscopic materials.