Electrostatic potential in a piezoelectric nanowire bent by a lateral load

Abstract

The fundamental theory of nanogenerator and nanopiezotronics is based on a voltage drop created across the cross section of the NW when it is laterally deflected, with the tensile side surface in positive voltage and compressive side in negative voltage. The typical nano-system setup of a vertical piezoelectric n-type semiconductor ZnO nanowire (NW) nanogenerator is being demonstrated for converting nanoscale mechanical energy into electric energy. The NW is pushed laterally by an AFM tip in contact mode thus create a bending force result in a change of electric potential distribution and strain-stress profile in NW. The couple piezoelectric and semiconducting properties of the NW perform a charge creation, accumulation and discharge process.