Water evaporation generator and preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of generators, and particularly relates to a water evaporation generator and a preparation method and application thereof. The preparation method of the water evaporation generator comprises the following steps that bamboo wood is subjected to carbonization treatment in a flame heating mode, and the bamboo wood subjected to carbonization treatment is obtained; the two ends of the bamboo wood subjected to carbonization treatment are connected with metal electrodes, and the bamboo wood is placed in water; and connecting the metal electrode with an external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator. The carbonization treatment of the bamboo surface can be realized by adopting a specific carbonization treatment mode, the water wettability of the carbonized bamboo surface is obviously improved, hydrophilic functional groups are exposed, the contact with water and the interaction between the surface functional groups and the water can be increased, the hydrophilic functional groups are dissociated in the water, stable ion concentration difference is generated at the two ends of the bamboo, and the surface of the bamboo can be carbonized. And stable and good voltage output is generated. And meanwhile, the surface of the bamboo wood subjected to carbonization treatment is more stable, good mildew resistance is achieved, and certain mechanical strength is reserved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of generator technology, and specifically relates to a water evaporation generator, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] With the depletion of fossil fuels, energy shortages and environmental crises are receiving increasing attention, making the development of green and sustainable energy an urgent need. Based on the electrokinetic effect, the pressure difference generated by water evaporation drives fluid flow in charged nanochannels, creating a potential difference across the nanochannels. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is that oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of hydrophilic materials dissociate in water. Larger, negatively charged functional groups are fixed to the molecular chain backbone and cannot move, while smaller charge carriers migrate with the pressure difference, thus creating a charge difference across the material and forming a potential difference. Such power generation devices typically consist of hydrophilic materials sandwiched between a pair of inert electrodes. Due to their simple structural design and continuous, stable power output, they hold promise as a candidate for the next generation of advanced green, sustainable, and clean energy.

[0003] During natural water evaporation, bamboo primarily dissociates its surface hydrophilic functional groups (-OH and -COOH) in water, creating an asymmetric difference in cation and anion concentrations at both ends, thus generating a potential difference. However, unmodified bamboo, due to the combined effects of its waxy layer, silica cells, and hydrophobic lignin, has a relatively hydrophobic surface, affecting water transport efficiency and limiting the degree of functional group dissociation in water. This makes it difficult to maintain a significant ion concentration difference between the two ends of the bamboo, directly impacting the electrical output stability of the device. Furthermore, prolonged exposure of bamboo to a humid environment can lead to mold and rot, affecting the device's lifespan. All these factors limit the application of bamboo in water evaporation power generation.

[0004] Therefore, it is of great significance to provide a water evaporation generator that has both good electrical output stability and resistance to mold. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial solution. Specifically, the present invention provides a water evaporation generator that has good voltage output and good resistance to mold growth.

[0006] The inventive concept of this invention is as follows: The method for preparing the water evaporation generator of this invention involves carbonizing bamboo by flame heating to obtain treated bamboo; connecting metal electrodes to both ends of the treated bamboo and placing it in water; and connecting the metal electrodes to an external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator. This invention uses flame heating to rapidly scorch the surface of the bamboo, destroying the hydrophobic structure of the surface. Under high temperature, the biomass fibers on the surface of the bamboo rapidly graphitize, achieving carbonization of the bamboo surface. Compared with traditional laser sintering and vacuum tube furnace carbonization, this carbonization method has the advantages of simplicity, flexibility, and strong controllability. Simultaneously, the water transport efficiency and surface structure of the bamboo surface change after carbonization, creating favorable conditions for water evaporation power generation.

[0007] Furthermore, after carbonization, the hydrophilic functional groups on the bamboo surface are exposed, increasing contact with water. The interaction between the surface functional groups and water causes the hydrophilic functional groups to dissociate in the water, creating a stable ion concentration gradient at both ends of the bamboo, thus generating electrical energy. The carbonized bamboo surface is more stable and corrosion-resistant, preventing mold and rot in humid environments, while retaining a certain degree of mechanical strength.

[0008] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing a water evaporation generator.

[0009] Specifically, the method for preparing the water evaporation generator includes the following steps:

[0010] Bamboo is carbonized by heating with a flame to obtain the treated bamboo.

[0011] Connect metal electrodes to both ends of the treated bamboo and place it in water;

[0012] The metal electrode is connected to an external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator.

[0013] Preferably, the bamboo material has a length of 4-6cm, a width of 1.5-2.5cm, and a thickness of 0.25-0.35cm; more preferably, the bamboo material has a length of 4.5-5.5cm, a width of 1.8-2.2cm, and a thickness of 0.27-0.33cm; even more preferably, the bamboo material has a length of 5cm, a width of 2cm, and a thickness of 0.3cm.

[0014] Specifically, bamboo, as a typical and ideal natural material for evaporation-induced power generation, possesses abundant natural reserves, readily chemically modified functional groups (-OH and -COOH), and flexible processing characteristics, making its widespread application in the field of evaporation-induced power generation possible. During natural water evaporation, bamboo primarily dissociates its surface hydrophilic functional groups (-OH and -COOH) in water, creating an asymmetric difference in cation and anion concentrations at both ends of the bamboo, thus generating a potential difference. After carbonization treatment of the bamboo surface, the hydrophilic functional groups are exposed, increasing their contact with water. The surface functional groups interact with water, dissociating in the water, thereby generating a stable ion concentration difference at both ends of the bamboo, producing electrical energy.

[0015] Preferably, a flame gun is used for flame heating.

[0016] Preferably, the flame gun comprises a butane flame gun.

[0017] Preferably, the carbonization temperature is 200-1200℃; for example, the carbonization temperature can be 200℃, 400℃, 600℃, 800℃, 1000℃ or 1200℃.

[0018] Preferably, the carbonization treatment time is 2-20 minutes; for example, the carbonization treatment time can be 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes or 20 minutes.

[0019] Preferably, after the carbonization treatment, the bamboo is placed in water for quenching.

[0020] Specifically, after carbonization, the surface of the bamboo turns black and develops fine cracks. It is then quickly transferred to water for quenching, resulting in uniform carbonization of the bamboo surface.

[0021] Preferably, the preparation method further includes a process of cleaning the quenched bamboo.

[0022] Preferably, the cleaning process involves immersing the quenched bamboo in a cleaning solution until the pH of the cleaning solution remains neutral.

[0023] Preferably, the cleaning solution includes water.

[0024] Preferably, the metal electrode includes any one of a platinum wire electrode, a gold electrode, and a graphite electrode.

[0025] Specifically, the metal electrodes in this invention include, but are not limited to, the types described above, and other types of inert electrodes may be selected according to actual circumstances.

[0026] A second aspect of the present invention provides a water evaporation generator.

[0027] Specifically, the water evaporation generator is prepared by the water evaporation generator preparation method described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention provides an application of the water evaporation generator described in the second aspect of the present invention in hydropower generation.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by the present invention are as follows:

[0030] (1) This invention employs flame heating to rapidly burn the surface of bamboo, destroying the hydrophobic structure of the surface. Under high temperature, the surface biomass fibers of the bamboo rapidly graphitize, achieving carbonization of the bamboo surface. The water wettability of the carbonized bamboo surface is significantly improved, exposing hydrophilic functional groups and increasing contact with water. The interaction between surface functional groups and water causes the hydrophilic functional groups to dissociate in the water, creating a stable ion concentration difference between the two ends of the bamboo, generating electrical energy. Simultaneously, the carbonized bamboo surface is more stable and corrosion-resistant, preventing mold and rot in humid environments, while retaining a certain degree of mechanical strength.

[0031] (2) The preparation method of the present invention is simple. Compared with traditional laser sintering carbonization and vacuum tube furnace carbonization, the flame torch carbonization treatment of the present invention has the advantages of being simple, flexible and highly controllable. At the same time, the water transport efficiency and surface structure of the bamboo material are changed after carbonization, which creates favorable conditions for water evaporation power generation. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the water evaporation generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 The graph shows the hydrophilicity test results of bamboo before and after carbonization treatment in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 The graph shows the test results of the anti-mildew performance of bamboo before and after carbonization treatment in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the compressive stress-strain curve of bamboo after carbonization treatment in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 These are images showing the state of bamboo after carbonization treatment in Example 1 of the present invention and wood after carbonization treatment in Comparative Example 3.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the output voltage curves of bamboo before and after carbonization treatment in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7The output voltage results of bamboo after carbonization treatment in Embodiment 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2 of this invention are shown in the figure.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the results of continuous long-term voltage output on bamboo after carbonization treatment in Example 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the technical solutions described in this invention, the following embodiments are provided for illustration. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the raw materials, reagents or devices used in the following examples are available from conventional commercial sources or can be obtained by existing known methods.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] A method for preparing a water evaporation generator includes the following steps:

[0044] (1) A whole piece of bamboo (5×2×0.3cm) was heated and carbonized using a butane flame torch. The flame temperature of the butane flame torch was 1200℃ and the carbonization time was 5min. The surface of the bamboo turned black and fine cracks appeared. Then it was quickly transferred to water for quenching. The surface of the bamboo was carbonized evenly, and the carbonized bamboo piece was obtained.

[0045] (2) Transfer the carbonized bamboo strips to clean water for soaking and washing until the washing solution maintains a neutral pH. Dry the washed bamboo strips thoroughly for later use.

[0046] (3) The length, width and height of the prefabricated water tank are 2×2×1cm. The water tank is filled with deionized water. The two ends of the dried bamboo strips obtained in step (2) are wrapped with platinum wire electrodes. Then one end is inserted into the water tank and the platinum metal electrode is connected to the external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator.

[0047] Example 1: A schematic diagram of the preparation process of a water evaporation generator is shown below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0048] After the surface carbonization treatment of bamboo, the hydrophilic functional groups are exposed. Water evaporation drives the flow of nanofluids in the bamboo fiber nanochannels. The hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of the channels dissociate. Larger groups are fixed in the molecular chain skeleton, while smaller groups can move freely, resulting in charge separation and generating a potential difference.

[0049] Comparative Example 1

[0050] The difference between Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 is the carbonization method. Specifically, the preparation method of the water evaporation generator in Comparative Example 1 includes the following steps:

[0051] (1) A complete bamboo material (5×2×0.3cm) was heated and carbonized by laser. The laser temperature was 1200℃ and the carbonization time was 5min. The surface of the bamboo material turned black and fine cracks appeared. Then it was quickly transferred to water for quenching. The surface of the bamboo material was carbonized evenly, and the carbonized bamboo piece was obtained.

[0052] (2) Transfer the carbonized bamboo strips to clean water for soaking and washing until the washing solution maintains a neutral pH. Dry the washed bamboo strips thoroughly for later use.

[0053] (3) The length, width and height of the prefabricated water tank are 3×3×2cm. The water tank is filled with deionized water. The two ends of the dried bamboo strips obtained in step (2) are wrapped with platinum wire electrodes and then inserted into the water tank. The platinum metal electrodes are connected to the external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator.

[0054] Comparative Example 2

[0055] The difference between Comparative Example 2 and Example 1 is the carbonization method. Specifically, the preparation method of the water evaporation generator in Comparative Example 2 includes the following steps:

[0056] (1) A complete bamboo piece (5×2×0.3cm) was heated and carbonized using a vacuum tube furnace. The carbonization temperature was 500℃ and the carbonization time was 5min. The surface of the bamboo turned black and fine cracks appeared. Then it was quickly transferred to water for quenching. The surface of the bamboo was carbonized evenly, and the carbonized bamboo piece was obtained.

[0057] (2) Transfer the carbonized bamboo strips to clean water for soaking and washing until the washing solution maintains a neutral pH. Dry the washed bamboo strips thoroughly for later use.

[0058] (3) The length, width and height of the prefabricated water tank are 3×3×2cm. The water tank is filled with deionized water. The two ends of the dried bamboo strips obtained in step (2) are wrapped with platinum wire electrodes and then inserted into the water tank. The platinum metal electrodes are connected to the external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator.

[0059] Comparative Example 3

[0060] The difference between Comparative Example 3 and Example 1 is the different substrates. Specifically, the preparation method of the water evaporation generator in Comparative Example 3 includes the following steps:

[0061] (1) A piece of common linden wood (5×2×0.3cm) was heated and carbonized using a butane flame torch. The flame temperature of the butane flame torch was 1200℃ and the carbonization time was 5min. The surface of the bamboo turned black and fine cracks appeared. Then it was quickly transferred to water for quenching. The surface of the wood was carbonized evenly, and the carbonized wood was obtained.

[0062] (2) Transfer the carbonized wood to clean water for soaking and washing until the cleaning solution maintains a neutral pH. Dry the cleaned bamboo strips thoroughly for later use.

[0063] (3) The length, width and height of the prefabricated water tank are 3×3×2cm. The water tank is filled with deionized water. The two ends of the dried wood obtained in step (2) are wrapped with platinum wire electrodes and then inserted into the water tank. The platinum metal electrodes are connected to the external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator.

[0064] Performance testing

[0065] 1. Hydrophilicity test

[0066] The hydrophilicity of bamboo before and after carbonization treatment in Example 1 was tested, and the results are as follows: Figure 2 As shown. Among them, Figure 2 Figure a shows the water contact angle of the bamboo surface after carbonization. Figure 2 Figure b shows the water contact angle of the bamboo surface before carbonization.

[0067] Depend on Figure 2 It can be seen that the water contact angle of the bamboo in Example 1 changed after flame carbonization treatment. The wettability of the bamboo surface was significantly improved after carbonization treatment, that is, the hydrophilicity was improved.

[0068] 2. Anti-mildew test

[0069] In Example 1, untreated bamboo and carbonized bamboo were separately soaked in water. After 7 days of soaking, it was observed whether mold appeared on the surface of the bamboo. The results were as follows: Figure 3 As shown. Among them, Figure 3 Figures a, b, c, and d show the mold growth of uncarbonized bamboo after soaking in water for 1 day, uncarbonized bamboo after soaking in water for 7 days, carbonized bamboo after soaking in water for 1 day, and carbonized bamboo after soaking in water for 7 days, respectively.

[0070] Depend on Figure 3 It can be seen that bamboo that has not undergone carbonization showed obvious mold growth on its surface after being soaked in water for 7 days, while bamboo strips that had undergone flame carbonization showed no obvious mold growth on their surface after being soaked for 7 days. This indicates that carbonization treatment can improve the mold resistance of bamboo strips.

[0071] 3. Mechanical strength test

[0072] Compression stress-strain tests were performed on the bamboo after carbonization treatment in Example 1, and the results are as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0073] Depend on Figure 4 It can be seen that the carbonized bamboo still retains a certain degree of mechanical strength.

[0074] Figures showing the state of bamboo (carbonized bamboo) after carbonization treatment in Example 1 and wood (carbonized wood) after carbonization treatment in Comparative Example 3 are shown below. Figure 5 As shown.

[0075] Depend on Figure 5 It is clearly observed that after wood is carbonized by flame, its mechanical strength weakens and it breaks directly. However, bamboo itself has a high fiber density and retains a relatively intact structure after carbonization, indicating that bamboo still has a certain mechanical strength after carbonization.

[0076] 4. Output voltage test

[0077] The output voltage performance of bamboo before and after carbonization treatment in Example 1 was tested. The voltage test was completed by connecting two electrode clips from a Keithley source meter to the two ends of a water evaporation generator. The results are as follows: Figure 6 As shown, carbonized bamboo refers to bamboo that has undergone carbonization treatment, while raw bamboo refers to bamboo that has not undergone carbonization treatment.

[0078] The output voltage of the carbonized bamboo materials of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2 was tested, and the results are as follows: Figure 7 As shown, flame carbonization, laser carbonization, and vacuum tube furnace carbonization represent the carbonization treatment methods of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2, respectively.

[0079] The carbonized bamboo from Example 1 was subjected to continuous voltage output for an extended period, specifically, the voltage output of the carbonized bamboo strips from Example 1 was tested during continuous operation in a water evaporation power generation system for approximately two weeks. The results are as follows: Figure 8 As shown.

[0080] Depend on Figure 6 It can be seen that the output voltage of carbonized bamboo is significantly improved compared with that of uncarbonized bamboo (raw bamboo).

[0081] Depend on Figure 7As can be seen, the output voltages of the bamboo after carbonization treatment in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2 were 0.35V, 0.30V, and 0.28V, respectively. This demonstrates that the bamboo exhibits a relatively high voltage output after flame carbonization treatment, and compared to other carbonization methods, flame carbonization offers advantages such as high efficiency, simplicity, and flexible operation.

[0082] Depend on Figure 8 It can be seen that the voltage output of the bamboo strips after carbonization in Example 1 remained stable at around 0.35V for about two weeks after continuous operation in water evaporation power generation, indicating that the water evaporation generator of the present invention has good output voltage stability.

[0083] In summary, this invention utilizes a specific carbonization method—a flame torch—to achieve surface carbonization of bamboo. After carbonization, the water wettability of the bamboo surface is significantly improved, exposing hydrophilic functional groups and increasing contact with water. The interaction between surface functional groups and water causes the hydrophilic functional groups to dissociate in the water, creating a stable ion concentration gradient across the bamboo, generating electrical energy and producing a stable and good voltage output. Simultaneously, the carbonized bamboo surface is more stable and corrosion-resistant, preventing mold and rot in humid environments, while retaining a certain degree of mechanical strength.

[0084] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a water evaporation generator, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Bamboo is carbonized by heating with a flame to obtain carbonized bamboo. Metal electrodes are connected to both ends of the carbonized bamboo, and the bamboo is placed in water. The metal electrode is connected to an external circuit to obtain the water evaporation generator.

2. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flame is heated using a flame gun.

3. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbonization treatment temperature is 200-1200℃; and / or the carbonization treatment time is 2-20 min.

4. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After carbonization, the bamboo is placed in water for quenching.

5. The preparation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The quenching process also includes cleaning the quenched bamboo.

6. The preparation method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning process involves immersing the quenched bamboo in a cleaning solution until the pH of the cleaning solution remains neutral.

7. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cleaning solution includes water.

8. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal electrode includes any one of platinum wire electrode, gold electrode, and graphite electrode.

9. A water evaporation generator, characterized in that, It is prepared by the preparation method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The application of the water evaporation generator according to claim 9 in hydropower generation.

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