Nanogenerator for dynamic stimuli detection and mechanical energy harvesting based on compressed SbSeI nanowires

Abstract

In this paper, a novel fabrication technology for generating antimony selenoiodide (SbSeI) nanowire pellets is presented, and their application as piezoelectric nanogenerators is discussed. The prepared samples can be used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy via the piezoelectric effect. The SbSeI nanowires are fabricated sonochemically and then compressed under high pressure (120 MPa). The morphological and electrical properties of the samples have been investigated using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and other electrical and piezoelectric measurements. The relationship between frequency of impact and the piezoelectric signal has been measured to calculate the output voltage and power produced by the nanogenerator. The maximum open circuit voltage of 384.7 (11) mV, corresponding to a maximum surface power density of 14.1 (21) nW⋅cm-2 and volume power density of 0.380 (83) μW⋅cm-3 has been achieved for periodic striking excitation with force of 17.8 N and resonant frequency of 70 Hz. The presented SbSeI nanogenerator has been found as promising for mechanical energy harvesting applications. Furthermore, it can also be employed as a self-powered sensor for the detection of dynamic pressure changes and vibrations with frequencies up to 200 Hz.