Hydrovoltaic Electricity Generation from Potato Carbon Cake: Using an Interconnected Porous Solar Steam Generator

Abstract Integrating two advanced techniques, such as solar thermal evaporation (STE) for freshwater production and hydrovoltaic (HV) for electricity generation, makes a considerable attempt to attain basic energy needs. Here in this work, a crisscross porous carbonized ethanol‐treated potato cake as a hydrovoltaic device (CHV) is fabricated. CHV device is a highly stable, portable, eco‐friendly device with a maximum output voltage of 0.23 V and current of 5 µA under ambient conditions. This is further raised to 0.5 V when exposing 1 sun illumination (1 kW m²). Voltage studies are done by varying the wind flow, relative humidity, and bulk water temperature to confirm the device's HV property and dependent factors. The potential application of the device is tested by glowing an LED light connected with 5 CHV devices in series. It is continuously delivered output till the bulk water is dry. The shelf‐life ability of CHV is also analyzed after 1 year of usage and provided nearly the same outcome. Therefore, this single device with dual‐energy harvesting gives a significant solution to society's energy and water crisis for a better tomorrow.