Abstract
We have converted nanoscale mechanical energy into electrical energy by means of piezoelectric zinc oxide nanowire (NW) arrays. The aligned NWs are deflected with a conductive atomic force microscope tip in contact mode. The coupling of piezoelectric and semiconducting properties in zinc oxide creates a strain field and charge separation across the NW as a result of its bending. The rectifying characteristic of the Schottky barrier formed between the metal tip and the NW leads to electrical current generation. The efficiency of the NW-based piezoelectric power generator is estimated to be 17 to 30%. This approach has the potential of converting mechanical, vibrational, and/or hydraulic energy into electricity for powering nanodevices.
Keywords
PiezoelectricityMaterials scienceNanogeneratorNanowireOptoelectronicsSchottky barrierMechanical energyZincNanoscopic scaleNanotechnologyComposite materialPower (physics)
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Publication Info
- Year
- 2006
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 312
- Issue
- 5771
- Pages
- 242-246
- Citations
- 7601
- Access
- Closed
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Cite This
Zhong Lin Wang,
Jinhui Song
(2006).
Piezoelectric Nanogenerators Based on Zinc Oxide Nanowire Arrays.
Science
, 312
(5771)
, 242-246.
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1124005
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1126/science.1124005
- PMID
- 16614215