Water Evaporation‐Induced Electricity Generation: Mechanisms, Optimization Strategies, and Future Prospects

This review focuses on the water evaporation-induced electricity generation (WEG), a promising renewable energy technology that harvests energy through interfacial interactions during water's liquid-to-vapor phase transition. The article outlines the fundamental mechanisms of streaming potential and evaporation potential, along with multiple optimization strategies, e.g., material surface modification, preparation of hybrid composites, construction of nanochannels, adjustment of wetting interface, and bio-inspired designs. Furthermore, the article explores the practical applications of WEG in fields such as power supply, environmental monitoring sensors, and integrated desalination and power generation systems. Finally, the review highlights future research directions, emphasizing enhanced energy conversion efficiency, optimizing designs, and scalable application development, which is expected to make WEG an important alternative energy source in regions rich in water resources and solar energy.