A bubble energy generator featuring lubricant-impregnated surface with high durability and efficiency

Abstract

Harvesting bubble energy emerges as a potential sustainable solution to harness tremendous marine energy sources. Yet, current bubble energy generators are susceptible to unstable performance owing to the degradation of the physiochemical properties of surface materials under the harsh underwater environment such as surface fouling and wetting transition. Here, we report the design of bubble energy generators featuring the cooperative integration of a slippery lubricant-impregnated porous surface and transistor-inspired architecture, referred to as SLIPS-TBG, that can generate electricity from moving bubbles with high stability in submerged conditions. In this design, the slippery and configurable lubricant layer serves as not only a smooth and mechanically stable surface for bubble transport but also a protective layer preventing the underlying solid materials from direct contact with the external harsh environment. Together with the transistor-inspired architecture, the SLIPS-TBG can deliver a stable electric output of 26.4 V, an instantaneous peak power density of 58.6 W m-3 from continuous bubble impingement in water media, even in extreme conditions involving mechanical abrasion and corrosion. We envision such a design represents a significant step toward real-life applications for bubble-based energy harvesting. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]