Gold nanoparticle decorated filter papers as hydrovoltaic devices

Abstract

The recently discovered phenomenon of hydrovoltaics has sparked a fast-growing area of research that is focused on device fabrication to generate power by exploiting this effect. Several materials (predominantly carbon based) have already been explored, however, the impact of highly conductive species like gold nanoparticles on device performance remains less explored. In this work we showcase the transformation of simple laboratory filter paper into a gold nanoparticle decorated hydrovoltaic device with surprising power output density (3.3 μW g⁻¹), open circuit voltage (0.423 V) and short-circuit current (−5.42 μA). These devices were optimized for loading to elucidate the impact of gold nanoparticles on open circuit potential, short circuit current and power output for devices. The elegant simplicity of this device and its fabrication illustrate the ready potential for hydrovoltaic device enhancement with metal nanomaterials.