Towards Self‐Powered Nanosystems: From Nanogenerators to Nanopiezotronics

作者：Zhong Lin Wang · 发表于：Advanced Functional Materials · 年份：2008 · DOI：10.1002/adfm.200800541 · 被引用次数：799 · 研究领域：Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials、Innovative Energy Harvesting Technologies、Nanowire Synthesis and Applications

Abstract Developing wireless nanodevices and nanosystems are of critical importance for sensing, medical science, defense technology, and even personal electronics. It is highly desirable for wireless devices and even required for implanted biomedical devices that they be self‐powered without use of a battery. It is essential to explore innovative nanotechnologies for converting mechanical energy (such as body movement, muscle stretching), vibrational energy (such as acoustic or ultrasonic waves), and hydraulic energy (such as body fluid flow) into electrical energy, which will be used to power nanodevices without a battery. This is a key step towards self‐powered nanosystems. We have demonstrated an innovative approach for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by piezoelectric zinc oxide nanowire (NW) arrays. The operation mechanism of the electric generator relies on the unique coupling of the piezoelectric and semiconducting properties of ZnO as well as the gating effect of the Schottky barrier formed between the metal tip and the NW. Based on this mechanism, we have recently developed a DC nanogenerator (NG) driven by the ultrasonic wave in a biofluid and a textile‐fiber‐based NG for harvesting low‐frequency mechanical energy. Furthermore, a new field, “nanopiezotronics”, has been developed, which uses coupled piezoelectric–semiconducting properties for fabricating novel and unique electronic devices and components. This Feature Article gives a systematic de...