According to a recent study, thermocells based on carbon nanotube electrodes might prove useful in generating electricity from heat discarded by chemical plants, automobiles and solar power farms. Harvesting the presently wasted energy in this manner can not only lower the energy footprints of individual organizations but can also provide clean energy locally.
Electrolyte-filled, textile-separated nanotube sheets can be wrapped around pipes carrying hot waste streams of manufacturing or electrical power plants. The temperature difference between the pipe and its surroundings create an electrochemical potential difference between the nanotube sheets. The thermocells utilize this potential difference to create electricity.
It is estimated that this new process can generate electricity at a cost 36% less than solar cells. Additionally, it can generate energy even when the sun is not shining, unlike solar cells.
Button sized thermocells are also visualized. Unlike button cell batteries, these thermocells do not run down. Such thermocells can power sensors or electronic circuits.
The high current density offered by carbon nanotubes with their giant surface area and unique electronic structure is tapped by the new thermocells for generating energy with high efficiency.
Read the news at Nanowerk.com
