Piezoelectric nanogenerator based on zinc oxide nanowires and surface-textured p-silicon

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) and surface-textured p-type silicon were grown for the fabrication of a zinc oxide nanogenerator (ZnO NG). The ZnO NWs were stacked face-to-face with the surface-textured p-Si in a folder-like configuration. The applicability of the ZnO NG was tested through a production of a piezoelectric voltage from an introduced external weight, using volumes of water. Observations in the voltage-time and voltage-force plots suggest the harvest of piezoelectric potential upon application of weight. The results provide a promising and low-cost alternative nanogenerator for future applications.