A New Paradigm on Waste-to-Energy Applying Hydrovoltaic Energy Harvesting Technology to Face Masks

Autor: Yongbum Kwon, Dai Bui-Vinh, Seung-Hwan Lee, So Hyun Baek, Hyun-Woo Lee, Jeungjai Yun, Inhee Cho, Jeonghoon Lee, Mi Hye Lee, Handol Lee, Da-Woon Jeong
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Polymers, Vol 16, Iss 17, p 2515 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 16172515
2073-4360
DOI: 10.3390/polym16172515
Popis: The widespread use of single-use face masks during the recent epidemic has led to significant environmental challenges due to waste pollution. This study explores an innovative approach to address this issue by repurposing discarded face masks for hydrovoltaic energy harvesting. By coating the face masks with carbon black (CB) to enhance their hydrophilic properties, we developed mask-based hydrovoltaic power generators (MHPGs). These MHPGs were evaluated for their hydrovoltaic performance, revealing that different mask configurations and sizes affect their efficiency. The study found that MHPGs with smaller, more structured areas exhibited better energy output, with maximum open-circuit voltages (VOC) reaching up to 0.39 V and short-circuit currents (ISC) up to 65.6 μA. The integration of CB improved water absorption and transport, enhancing the hydrovoltaic performance. More specifically, MHPG-1 to MHPG-4, which represented different sizes and features, presented mean VOC values of 0.32, 0.17, 0.19 and 0.05 V, as well as mean ISC values of 16.57, 15.59, 47.43 and 3.02 μA, respectively. The findings highlight the feasibility of utilizing discarded masks in energy harvesting systems, offering both environmental benefits and a novel method for renewable energy generation. Therefore, this work provides a new paradigm for waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies and inspires further research into the use of unconventional waste materials for energy production.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
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