Piezoelectric A15B16C17 Compounds and Their Nanocomposites for Energy Harvesting and Sensors: A Review

Piotr Szperlich

doi:10.3390/ma14226973

Abstract

Interest in pyroelectrics and piezoelectrics has increased worldwide on account of their unique properties. Applications based on these phenomena include piezo- and pyroelectric nanogenerators, piezoelectric sensors, and piezocatalysis. One of the most interesting materials used in this growing field are A15B16C17 nanowires, an example of which is SbSI. The latter has an electromechanical coupling coefficient of 0.8, a piezoelectric module of 2000 pC/N, and a pyroelectric coefficient of 12 × 10−3 C/m2K. In this review, we examine the production and properties of these nanowires and their composites, such as PAN/SbSI and PVDF/SbSI. The generated electrical response from 11 different structures under various excitations, such as an impact or a pressure shock, are presented. It is shown, for example, that the PVDF/SbSI and PAN/SbSI composites have well-arranged nanowires, the orientation of which greatly affects the value of its output power. The power density for all the nanogenerators based upon A15B16C17 nanowires (and their composites) are recalculated by use of the same key equation. This enables an accurate comparison of the efficiency of all the configurations. The piezo- and photocatalytic properties of SbSI nanowires are also presented; their excellent ability is shown by the high reaction kinetic rate constant (7.6 min−1).

Highlights

The continuous development of the economy relating to, inter alia, urbanization and the growth of the global population has led to an increase in demand for energy
Results with a Delta Tron Accelerometer (Type 4507 B 001; Bruel and Kjaer) that is mounted onto the tip
TheThe composite samples studied were prepared in two different configurations: either the piezoelectrical response of the sensors, under the influence of a strain, 3-point nonwith the electrodes applied to opposite surfaces

Summary

Introduction

The continuous development of the economy relating to, inter alia, urbanization and the growth of the global population has led to an increase in demand for energy. Due to the environmental pollution caused by existing energy sources (i.e., coal, oil, gas, etc.), renewable energy sources have become increasingly popular. Has this enabled enhanced production of green energy but it has allowed us to become independent from a need to import fossil fuels and to provide energy to isolated areas without a developed energy grid. One of the widely available and underrated energy sources is the motions of the human body. Examples of power (energy per unit time) values related to the human body are given in Figure 1 [1]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion