2D MnTe/rGO Hybrid Structure for Moisture Energy Harvesting

The development and widespread use of wind, solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources have increased the supply of clean, green electricity while reducing environmental strain. Extracting renewable energy from continuously available humid air is a potential pathway for a sustainable future. Here, we explore the use of two-dimensional (2D) manganese telluride (MnTe) hybrid structures with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), for absorbing moisture and atmospheric humidity. The resistance of the 2D hybrid structures increases with moisture exposure and decreases upon moisture removal, suggesting their suitability for humidity-controlled power devices. The optimized thickness of the composites exhibits the highest response under moisture exposure due to the interfacial charge transfer. The MnTe/rGO hybrid structure also absorbs a low amount of moisture from ambient humid (RH ∼ 90%) air, resulting in electrical output up to ∼125 mV within ∼15 s. Furthermore, the study hints at the potential of 2D MnTe for energy harvesting from moisture and sustainable power sources. We used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the system's ability to transfer charge. In situ Raman spectroscopy and imaging techniques further confirm the effect of moisture on a hybrid surface. These findings lay the foundation for developing an efficient nanogenerator that can find applications in wearable electronics and environmental monitoring systems. The study contributes to materials science and offers a pathway towards developing sustainable and efficient electronic devices and environmental monitoring systems.