Leaf-based Hydrovoltaic Power Generator

With the increasing demand for electronics for a growing number of applications, electronic waste created after discarding these devices continues to grow. This poses a growing threat to environment and public health as most of the electronic devices are discarded releasing heavy metals and other chemicals into the soil and water sources.. Therefore, using bio-based materials for electronics could be an alternative for minimizing the environmental footprint of electronic devices. Here, we present our work on the development of a leaf-based hydro voltaic power generator that can generate power from the movement of moisture due to the concentration gradient of water. Using microporous leaves developed using chemical treatment, and sandwiching them between metal electrodes as current collectors, we have been able to generate an open circuit voltage of 700mV. In this presentation, we will discuss the mechanism of the generation of the electric current from this setup as well as optimization of the device to improve its performance. The device like the one we have created demonstrates a promising method for the development of bio-based power generators that can generate continuous electrical energy for low-powered devices from water sources.