Direct-Current Nanogenerator Driven by Ultrasonic Waves
Xudong Wang,
Jinhui Song,
Jin Liu,
Zhong Lin Wang*
We have developed a nanowire nanogenerator that is driven by
an ultrasonic wave to produce continuous direct-current output.
The nanogenerator was fabricated with vertically aligned zinc
oxide nanowire arrays that were placed beneath a zigzag metal
electrode with a small gap. The wave drives the electrode up
and down to bend and/or vibrate the nanowires. A piezoelectric-semiconducting
coupling process converts mechanical energy into electricity.
The zigzag electrode acts as an array of parallel integrated
metal tips that simultaneously and continuously create, collect,
and output electricity from all of the nanowires. The approach
presents an adaptable, mobile, and cost-effective technology
for harvesting energy from the environment, and it offers a
potential solution for powering nanodevices and nanosystems.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: zhong.wang{at}mse.gatech.edu
