Researchers working in the US and China have reported a composite zinc oxide–poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanogenerator (NG) which can convert energy from an air flow into electricity with no need for additional battery power. The system shows improved power density and sensitivity compared to previously reported NGs, with a lower limit of flow detection of 0.6m s-1 and is environmentally friendly. The system has potential applications in gas pipeline monitoring.
Nanogenerator as an active sensor for vortex capture and ambient wind-velocity detection
Rui Zhang, Long Lin, Qingshen Jing, Wenzhuo Wu, Yan Zhang, Zongxia Jiao, Liang Yan, Ray P. S. Han and Zhong Lin Wang
DOI: 10.1039/C2EE22354F
