We have substantial expertise in the solution-based synthesis of ZnO nanorod arrays for use in piezoelectric energy harvesters (nanogenerators), including on (conductive) glass, plastic, textile and fibre-based substrates. ZnO is piezoelectric, so when strained, the nanorod arrays will generate a potential difference between their two surfaces, and as such can be used for mechanical energy harvesting (mechanical to electrical). We developed a novel p-n junction based nanogenerator using a junction between ZnO nanorods and PEDOT:PSS, and have developed this to significantly increase the output voltage and power, transfer it to textile substrates for wearable applications, and investigate its commercial potential.

Associated publications:

He Q, Li X, Zhang J, Zhang H and Briscoe J. “P–N junction-based ZnO wearable textile nanogenerator for biomechanical energy harvesting.” Elsevier Nano Energy.
DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.105938 
03-03-2021

Yilmaz P, Greenwood P, Meroni S, Troughton J, Novak P, Li X, Watson T and Briscoe J. “Self-adhesive electrode applied to ZnO nanorod-based piezoelectric nanogenerators.” IOP Smart Materials and Structures.
DOI: 10.1088/1361-665X/ab255b
10-09-2019

Briscoe J and Dunn S. “Piezoelectric nanogenerators – a review of nanostructured piezoelectric energy harvesters.” Elsevier Nano Energy. 
DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2014.11.059
13-10-2014

Jalali N, Woolliams P, Stewart M, Weaver PM, Cain MG, Dunn S and Briscoe J. “Improved performance of p-n junction-based ZnO nanogenerators through CuSCN-passivation of ZnO nanorods.” RSC Journal of Materials Chemistry A. 
DOI: 10.1039/c4ta01714e
28-07-2014

Briscoe J and Dunn S. “Nanostructured Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters.” SpringerBriefs in Materials.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-09632-2
01-01-2014

Briscoe J, Jalali N, Woolliams P, Stewart M, Weaver PM, Cain M and Dunn S. “Measurement techniques for piezoelectric nanogenerators.” RSC Energy and Environmental Science. 
DOI: 10.1039/c3ee41889h
01-10-2013

Briscoe J, Stewart M, Vopson M, Cain M, Weaver PM and Dunn S. “Nanostructured p-n junctions for kinetic-to-electrical energy conversion.” Wiley Advanced Energy Materials. 
DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201200205
01-10-2012