Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A step toward lead-free electronics

A new material has been found to have piezoelectric properties similar to lead zirconium titanate (PZT), a commonly used material in electronic devices. The development is significant as it could pave the way for 100% lead-free electronics, reducing toxicity and environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 4, 2010

Generating electricity from air flow

A group of researchers at City College of New York is developing a new way to generate power for planes and automobiles based on piezoelectrics, which convert kinetic energy into electricity. The devices might be mounted on cars or airplanes and would produce an output voltage that could run small electronic devices.

Microbot motors fit to swim human arteries

Researchers from Monash University have designed microbot motors powered by piezoelectricity, allowing them to swim up narrow arteries and enhance surgical views. The innovative technology could revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries, making them safer and more effective.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateJan 20, 2009

Self-powered devices possible, says Texas A&M researcher

A Texas A&M researcher has discovered a way to harness energy from sound waves using piezoelectric materials, which could enable the development of self-powered cell phones and other devices. The discovery is significant because it shows that energy can be converted at a 100% increase when materials are manufactured at a very small size.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 1, 2008

New small-scale generator produces alternating current by stretching zinc oxide wires

The new flexible charge pump generator can produce an oscillating output voltage of up to 45 millivolts, converting nearly seven percent of the mechanical energy applied into electricity. This advancement resolves key issues with previous generators, such as moisture infiltration and wear, enabling more robust designs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 9, 2008

Modern ceramics help advance technology

Researchers explored the critical role of piezoelectric materials in advancing technology, leading to breakthroughs in cell phone technology and ultrahigh resolution ink-jet printing heads. The study highlights the potential applications of PZT thin film materials for various devices, including motion sensors and optical mirrors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateMay 8, 2008

Precision bonding makes tiny high performance actuators possible

Penn State researchers have designed and fabricated tiny piezoelectric microactuators with controlled force, high resolution, and large displacements. The new actuators have dimensions ranging from 350 to 600 microns in length, 50 to 100 microns in width, and 5 to 6 microns in thickness.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateOct 3, 2005

Helical piezoelectric 'nanosprings' could be actuators & transducers in nanosystems

Researchers have developed nanoscale helical 'nanosprings' from zinc oxide that exhibit piezoelectric and electrostatic polarization properties. These structures could be used as sensors to detect small fluid flows, strain forces, and air flows, and as actuators in micro-systems. The new materials also display unusual electrostatic pol...