Nanodevice produces continuous electricity from evaporation
Phys.org
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking nanodevice developed at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) harnesses the power of evaporating saltwater to generate continuous and stable electricity. By leveraging heat and light, this innovative device controls the movement of ions and electrons, enabling it to produce a steady electrical current. This development represents a significant leap forward in renewable energy technology, offering a sustainable and reliable source of power.
The research builds on previous work by EPFL scientists who pioneered a platform to study the hydrovoltaic (HV) effect—the phenomenon where electricity is generated as fluid flows over a charged surface. Their breakthrough involved creating a hexagonal network of silicon nanopillars, which form channels for evaporating fluids. This structure not only enhances evaporation but also ensures scalability and stability in energy production.
The implications of this technology are vast. It
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/19/2026