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Pushing 'print' on large-scale piezoelectric materials

Researchers developed a simple, inexpensive technique to create large-scale sheets of two-dimensional piezoelectric material, allowing integration onto silicon chips and expansion into surface manufacturing. The method enables the production of free-standing GaPO4 nanosheets for piezo-sensors and energy harvesting applications.

Device harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations

Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, producing enough power to run a personal health monitoring system. The device is more efficient than standard electromagnetic harvesters and can sustain high strains without cracking.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 30, 2018

Flexible, highly efficient multimodal energy harvesting

Researchers at Penn State developed a new composite material that can efficiently harvest mechanical and thermal energy using a 3D piezoelectric ceramic foam supported by a flexible polymer. The material outperforms traditional piezoelectric composites, offering improved flexibility and energy output.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 21, 2018

Designing a new material for improved ultrasound

Researchers at Penn State designed a new material with twice the piezo response of existing commercial ferroelectric ceramics. The material's unique structure increases its dielectric properties and piezoelectric effect, making it suitable for medical ultrasound applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 22, 2018

Demonstration of a single molecule piezoelectric effect

Researchers from IOCB Prague and IP CAS demonstrate a strong converse piezoelectric effect at individual molecules of heptahelicene derivative on a silver surface. The study provides new insights into the electromechanical behavior of individual molecules, opening up possibilities for nanoscale molecular devices.

Biodegradable sensor could help doctors monitor serious health conditions

UConn researchers have created a biodegradable pressure sensor that can be implanted in the body to monitor conditions like chronic lung disease and swelling of the brain. The sensor emits a small electrical charge when pressure is applied, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and potential treatment via electrical stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2018

Study shows vibrating insoles could reduce falls among seniors

Researchers found that vibratory stimulation applied to the soles of the feet using piezoelectric technology significantly improves balance by reducing postural sway and gait variability. The study participants showed a persistent improvement in performance on timed tests, indicating potential benefits for fall prevention.

SourcePeters Communications·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 30, 2014

'Smart material' chin strap harvests energy from chewing

Researchers have created a smart material-based chin strap that generates electricity from chewing, eating and talking, with potential to power hearing aids, cochlear implants and other small electronic devices. The device harnesses piezoelectric fiber composites to convert mechanical stress into electric charge.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateSep 16, 2014

KAIST made great improvements of nanogenerator power efficiency

KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to increase the energy efficiency of piezoelectric nanogenerators, enabling the creation of self-powered flexible energy harvesters that can supply power to wearable and implantable electronic devices. The improved nanogenerators can harness energy from human movements and natural resour...

Piezotronics and piezo-phototronics leading to unprecedented active electronics and optoelectronics

Piezotronics harnesses mechanically-induced polarization to modulate charge carriers, leading to novel device applications and unparalleled performance. This technology has given rise to strain-gated piezotronic transistors, logic nanodevices and strain memory devices, enhancing sensing capabilities and enabling 3D structuring.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 14, 2014

Wringing more energy out of everyday motions

The Duke team has created a nonlinear approach to energy harvesting that can capture more frequencies from ambient vibrations, making it ideal for practical uses in the real world. This could lead to the development of devices that power implants, sensors, and even larger electrical systems.

Graphene's piezoelectric promise

Engineers created graphene's pseudo-piezoelectric behavior by punching triangle-shaped holes into it, producing strong piezoelectricity comparable to well-known substances like quartz. The results have the potential to open new avenues for graphene and applications relying on piezoelectricity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 5, 2012

3-dimensional view of 1-dimensional nanostructures

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that individual gallium nitride nanowires exhibit strong piezoelectricity in three dimensions, with efficiency up to six times greater than bulk material. This finding has significant implications for the development of nanogenerators capable of powering self-powered devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 5, 2012