Self-powered PtNi-polyaniline films for converting rain energy into electricity

Developing novel rainwater energy harvesting beyond conventional electricity is a promising strategy to address the problems of the energy crisis and environmental pollution. In this current work, a class of self-powered PtNi and optimal PtNi-polyaniline (PANI) films are successfully developed to convert rainwater into electricity for power generation. The maximized current, voltage and power of the self-powered PtNi-PANI films are 4.95 & mu;A per droplet, 69.85 & mu;V per droplet and 416.54 pW per droplet, respectively, which are attributed to the charging/discharging electrical signals between the cations provided by the rainwater and the electrons offered by the films. These results indicate that the optimized signal values are highly dependent on the elevated electron concentration of films, as well as the concentration, radius and charge of ions in rainwater. This work provides fresh insights into rain energy and enriches our knowledge of how to convert renewable energy into electricity generation.

Automated summary

Developing novel rainwater energy harvesting is a promising solution to address the energy crisis and environmental pollution. In this study, self-powered PtNi and optimal PtNi-PANI films are developed to convert rainwater into electricity, with high current, voltage, and power output. The success of this work provides new insights into rain energy and contributes to the conversion of renewable energy into electricity generation.