Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Indore have unveiled a device that can generate electricity using only water and air, eliminating the need for sunlight, batteries or moving parts.
Developed at the institute’s Sustainable Energy and Environmental Materials (SEEM) Lab, the innovation relies on the natural process of evaporation to draw thermal energy from the atmosphere and convert it into electricity. The project is led by Prof Dhirendra K. Rai with research assistance from Khushwant Singh.
At its core is a membrane composed of graphene oxide combined with zinc-imidazole, a stabilising compound. When partially immersed in water, the membrane channels the liquid upwards, enabling evaporation. This movement of molecules separates ions at opposite ends, generating a steady voltage.
A single membrane, measuring just 3 x 2 cm², can produce up to 0.75 volts. Multiple membranes may be combined to scale up the output. The system works not only with clean water but also with saline or muddy sources, maintaining stability for months, according to the institute.
Prof Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, described the breakthrough as a reflection of the institute’s commitment to social impact. “This innovation is a testament to IIT Indore's vision of creating knowledge that matters to society. By turning the simple phenomenon of water evaporation into a dependable power source, our researchers have opened new pathways for sustainable technologies. Such ideas can transform lives, especially in rural and underserved communities, and reaffirm the role of science in building a cleaner and more equitable future,” he said in a statement.
Also read: IIT-B students decode moon's chemistry with Chandrayaan-2 data
Prof Rai underlined the practical intent behind the research. “Think of it as a self-charging power source, fuelled by nothing more than air and water. As long as evaporation continues, the device generates electricity-quietly, cleanly, and sustainably. Our aim was to design a solution that is both affordable and effective, so it can one day find real-world use in rural and off-grid areas,” he said.
The team sees scope for powering sensors in farms and forests, providing emergency lighting during blackouts, or supporting low-power medical wearables in remote clinics. Unlike solar panels, the device is effective indoors, at night and under cloud cover, making it suitable for challenging environments.
Efforts are now underway to reduce costs using clay-based compounds and minerals to enable large-scale manufacturing. The researchers envisage future applications in energy-generating textiles or self-powered walls for indoor sensors.
“This discovery highlights the potential of Indian scientific research to convert fundamental curiosity into technologies that address pressing societal challenges,” the release added.
Follow us
