Recently, Dr. Cai Jinming, the founder of Morion Nanotech, led his research team in successfully developing a flexible heterogeneous graphene oxide structure (HGOS) for high-performance wet power generation. This structure generates approximately 1V of voltage when one end comes into contact with water, making it a clean and pollution-free new energy source. This research was published in the high-impact journal Journal of Materials Chemistry A (IF11.9) in 2024, volume 12, pages 12216-12224, under the title 'Scalable preparation of flexible heterogeneous graphene oxide structures for high-performance wet power generation.'

Hydrovoltaic power generation technology is a green and pollution-free clean power generation technology that has emerged in recent years. It is an emerging technology that generates electricity through the direct interaction between nanomaterials and water. Using the hydrovoltaic effect, energy can be captured from various forms of water such as evaporation, raindrops, waves, and humidity, thus opening up new avenues for water energy utilization. As a key growth potential in the field of 'new energy application solutions,' Morion Nanotech has always been committed to the research and application of new energy technologies.

Figure 1. Schematic illustration of HGOS preparation and output characteristics. (a) Schematic illustration of the HGOS preparation process; (b) The GO side of HGOS is hydrophilic and can adsorb water molecules; (c) Schematic illustration of the interaction between water molecules and oxygen-containing groups to ionize hydrogen ions; (d) Voltage output performance of HGOS in an environment without external electrical input and additional stimuli (~70 ± 5% RH, 25 ± 1 ℃).

Figure 2. Electrical performance and applications of HGOS. (a) Series voltage of an HGOS unit; (b) Parallel current of an HGOS unit; (c) Connecting different HGOS units in series increases the output voltage; (d) Output power of HGOS; (e) HGOS group charging a capacitor; (f) HGOS can light up a red LED; (g) HGOS can power an LED under low-temperature conditions; (h) Integrated HGOS units can power a calculator; (i) Flexible wearable demonstration of an HGOS group powering an electronic watch.

In this study, the research team at Morion Nanotech used company-produced graphene oxide membranes for thermal reduction, resulting in a wet generator with a heterostructured oxidized graphene (HGOS). Due to the hydration of graphene oxide, H+ ions are ionized, while oxygen groups such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups remain fixed on the carbon-carbon framework. Consequently, the ionization and transport of H+ ions generate a potential difference. Additionally, this heterogeneous gradient structure accelerates carrier migration speed, thereby increasing output power and providing energy for most electronic devices. A single soft-packaged HGOS can provide an output voltage of 0.96V for extended periods, with an output power density of 879.2μW.cm-3.

      Using flexible encapsulation technology, this flexible HGOS can maintain power output even when bent or deformed, making it suitable for flexible wearable electronics and powering common commercial electronic products. Additionally, based on the currently mature industrial preparation technology for graphene oxide membranes, it is expected to quickly achieve large-scale production of HGOS devices. These mass-integrated HGOS devices can serve as long-term energy supply systems in various natural scenarios, further advancing water-based photovoltaic power generation technology and providing new strategies for renewable energy conversion.

      Morion Nanotech has always been dedicated to the research and development of new energy technologies and applications. Building on these research achievements, we will increase our investment in R&D, focusing on graphene-based multifunctional nanomaterials to explore new power generation technologies. Morion Nanotech will continue to uphold our philosophy of independent innovation, striving to bring more advanced technologies, more competitive costs, and higher-performance products to the market to promote the industrialization of graphene in the new energy sector. At the same time, we will continuously expand the application areas of new materials in the new energy industry, contributing to the sustainable development of the sector.

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