New energy solution: Rust clay reacts with salt water to generate electricity

Researchers have found a way to generate electricity when saltwater flows through a rusty metal surface.

According to RT, the results of the study have demonstrated the potential of a new sustainable energy production method.

The production of electricity can be useful in the future to generate energy on vehicles such as rigs or floating buoys.(Artwork - RT).

Typically, metal compounds and brine react to generate electricity. It is the chemical reaction that changes at least one of the compounds in the metal, from which the new compound is formed.

Scientists working at Caltech California Institute of Technology and Northwestern University, USA have discovered that rust clay has the ability to convert the kinetic energy of saltwater flow into electricity.

'The same effect can occur for other materials. You can take a drop of salt water and let it flow through the graphene metamaterial, electricity will be accumulated , "explained Professor Tom Miller of the research team.

The team applied the phenomenon of physical vapor deposition (PVD), turning ordinary solid material into condensation on the desired surface, to ensure that the rust formed a thin layer evenly. This surface can be as thin as about 1 / 10,000 times that of a human hair.

When the saline solution flows through this rust surface, ions in the water attract electrons under the rust layer and react to create an electric current. The production of electricity can be useful in the future to generate energy on vehicles such as rigs or floating buoys.