Hydrovoltaics, which generates electrical power by channeling an ionic solution through hydrophilic micro/nanoporous platforms, has recently gained attention as a promising energy harvesting technology. The pressure-driven flow of an ionic solution through a charged capillary channel induces an electrical potential between the inlet and outlet—known as the streaming potential. Evaporation sustains the solution flow, enabling consistent electricity generation.
In this study, we mimic the principles of plant transpiration using a hydrophilic micro-nanochannel composite fabricated from cellulose membranes and carbon black nanoparticles which are both derivable from plant cell walls. By leveraging bio-inspired materials and transpiration, combined with electrokinetic mass transport phenomena, we successfully generated 0.4 V and 1 µA of electricity by channeling a 1 M NaCl aqueous solution. We also investigated the physicochemical properties of the cellulose-based channels, such as surface charge density and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, environmental factors including relative humidity and temperature that affect evaporation and solution flow rate through the channel were examined. This work demonstrates a pathway for adapting natural phenomena and materials for energy harvesting, contributing to sustainable solutions for the global energy crisis.