Production of ZnO based piezoelectric nanogenerator and investigation of it's properties

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the production and properties of a nanogenerator (NG) that can be driven with variable (AC) and constant (DC) magnetic field for the first time in the literature by using the ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays as the bottom electrode. CuO thin film layer, which forms Schottky contact with ZnO, was used as the top electrode. The ZnO NR arrays was synthesized by the hydrothermal method commonly used in the literature. The aspect ratio of ZnO NRs was determined to be 16. In the top electrode production, the Cu thin film layer was coated by DC sputtering method. Cu thin film was oxidized by heat treatment in dry air flow and CuO layer was obtained. By combining the lower and upper electrodes with a flexible polymer, the NRs were periodically bent under the AC/DC magnetic field applied in different directions and frequencies. In the results obtained from the electrical measurements, a power density of 0.816 pW/cm2 was obtained at the position of the NG at 180o position, where a DC magnetic field with a frequency of 1.5 Hz was applied. It has been observed that the produced ZnO NRs/CuO thin film piezoelectric NG system can be driven without contact with the magnetic field. Driving piezoelectric NG with magnetic field is the first study in the literature.