Nanostructured silicon harnesses water friction to generate electricity
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 23, 2025

Researchers from Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) have unveiled a novel technique that converts the mechanical energy of moving water into electric current using nanoporous silicon. The discovery demonstrates how friction between water and artificially structured silicon surfaces can be exploited to generate electricity at the nanoscale.

The study, led by scientists at DESY and the University of Hamburg, involved fabricating silicon with an intricate network of nanoscale pores. When water passes through these pores, the interaction of the liquid with the solid surface leads to charge separation, effectively producing a small but measurable electrical voltage. This process, described as "streaming potential generation," relies on the friction-driven movement of ions within confined spaces.

According to the team, the findings could open new paths for sustainable energy systems that recycle otherwise untapped kinetic energy sources - such as flowing water in pipes or natural streams - at efficiencies previously considered unattainable. The researchers also noted that this approach could potentially be scaled up for low-power devices, sensors, or microreactors where conventional power solutions are impractical.

DESY materials scientist Anna Lee stated, "This is a promising strategy for transforming water's ubiquitous motion into a usable power source without chemical conversion or external power input." The research underscores how precision nanofabrication, a core competency of DESY, can enable energy harvesting at molecular levels of interaction.

Research Report:Triboelectrification during non-wetting liquids intrusion-extrusion in hydrophobic nanoporous silicon monoliths

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Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
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