Insight into Hydrovoltaic Technology: from Mechanism to Applications

Abstract Water encompasses vast quantities of energy in diverse forms, yet this energy is rarely exploited. Hydrovoltaic technology, as an emergent clean energy generation technology, has garnered extensive attention in recent years. Distinct from conventional hydroelectric power generation, hydrovoltaic technology ingeniously employs the interaction between functional materials and water, and achieves the direct conversion of water energy into electrical energy. This review initially delineates the mechanism of hydrovoltaic technology and deliberate on the various materials currently employed for hydroelectric power generation. Subsequently, experimental advancements in power generation from water droplets, water evaporation, and moisture are summarized to demonstrate the relevance of their fundamental mechanisms and their potential for harvesting energy from the water cycle. This work further expounds on the potential device applications of hydrovoltaic technology and proposes prospects for the development of emerging technologies.