A high performance lead-free flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator based on AlFeOnanorods interspersed in PDMS matrix for biomechanical energy scavenging to sustainably power electronics.

Since lead-based piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) possess serious health risks, environmental problems, proper disposal issues, and biocompatibility concerns, this work presents the fabrication of a flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator utilizing lead-free orthorhombic AlFeOnanorods for biomechanical energy scavenging to sustainably power electronics. Hydrothermal technique is used to synthesize the AlFeOnanorods and the PENG was fabricated on Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible film with AlFeOnanorods interspersed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). transmission electron microscopy proved that the AlFeOnanoparticles are of nanorods shape. Through x-ray Diffraction, it is validated that AlFeOnanorods have orthorhombic phase and crystalline structure. A high piezoelectric charge coefficient () of 400 pm Vis obtained from the piezoelectric force microscopy of AlFeOnanorods. With optimized concentration of AlFeOin the polymer matrix, an open circuit voltage () of 30.5 V, current density () of 0.7888±0.0001A cmand an instantaneous power density of 240.6 mW mare obtained under the application of a force of 1.25 kgf. To investigate the nanogenerator's practical utility, the PENG is used for lighting multiple LEDs, charging of a capacitor and as a pedometer via biomechanical energy harvesting. Hence, it can be employed for developing various self-powered wearable electronics such as flexible skin, artificial cutaneous sensors, etc.