Miniaturized concentration cells for small-scale energy harvesting based on reverse electrodialysis

摘要

We describe experimental and theoretical results that demonstrate the feasibility of power generation using concentration cells based on ionic concentration gradients and reverse electrodialysis. A peak power density of 0.2 (0.7) Μw cm~(-2) and a maximum energy density of 0.4 (0.4) Mj cm~(-3) delivered in 3 h to a 2 (5) Kω resistor were recorded using a microfiltration (anion exchange) membrane, respectively. A comprehensive model is developed to predict the evolution of the output voltage with time in relation to the solute concentration in each cell and derive the power density and efficiency limits.