Surface modified hybrid ZnSnO3 nanocubes for enhanced piezoelectric power generation and wireless sensory application

Piezoelectric Nanogenerators (PENGs), which can convert ambient mechanical stimuli into electrical energy, are held in high regard due to their cost-effectiveness, energy harvesting applications, and potential as self-powered sensors. We report an aluminum-doped zinc stannate (ZnSnO3) PENG that can achieve high electrical outputs with respect to the external force. In order to enrich the piezoelectric mechanics, a low-temperature solution method was adopted in our work to synthesize ZnSnO3 nanocubes with an average side length of only 30 – 55 nm. Furthermore, ZnSnO3 was doped with 1 wt% to 5 wt% of aluminum nanoparticles. We report that 2 wt% of aluminum doped ZnSnO3 showed the highest electrical output in terms of open circuit voltages and short circuit current. The nanogenerator device achieved an average open-circuit voltage of 80 V to 175 V with a frequency range of 60 BPM (Beats Per Minute) to 240 BPM, an unprecedented electrical output in comparison to current ZnSnO3 -based PENGs. With the presented high output-to-size ratio taken into consideration, the device was mounted in a helmet and tested as an energy harvester and wireless human motion sensor, which can generate electric charge as well as detect human movements and transmit the corresponding signals wirelessly. Our work- is indicative of a promising smart helmet using organic-inorganic hybrid materials

Piezo-Tribo Dual Effect Hybrid Nanogenerators for Health Monitoring

Over the years, nanogenerators for health monitoring have become more and more attractive as they provide a cost-effective and continuous way to successfully measure vital signs, physiological status, and environmental changes in/around a person. Using such sensors can positively affect the way healthcare workers diagnose and prevent life-threatening conditions. Recently, the dual piezo-tribological effect of hybrid nanogenerators (HBNGs) have become a subject of investigation, as they can provide a substantial amount of data, which is significant for healthcare. However, real-life exploitation of these HBNGs in health monitoring is still marginal. This review covers piezo-tribo dual-effect HBNGs that are used as sensors to measure the different movements and changes in the human body such as blood circulation, respiration, and muscle contractions. Piezo-Tribo dual-effect HBNGs are applicable within various healthcare settings as a means of powering noninvasive sensors, providing the capability of constant patient monitoring without interfering with the range of motion or comfort of the user. This review also intends to suggest future improvements in HBNGs. These include incorporating surface modification techniques, utilizing nanowires, nanoparticle technologies, and other means of chemical surface modifications. These improvements can contribute significantly in terms of the electrical output of the HBNGs and can enhance their prospects of applications in the field of health monitoring, as well as various in vitro/in vivo biomedical applications. While a promising option, improved HBNGs are still lacking. This review also discusses the technical issue which has prevented so far, the real use of these sensors