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Chinese scientists have developed fiber nanogenerators
Editor's note: A research team led by Professor Wang Zhonglin, a renowned nanotechnology expert at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, has recently developed an innovative fiber that can generate electricity from mechanical motion. This new type of fiber-based nanogenerator was first introduced two years ago and has since seen significant advancements. Following the development of the DC nanogenerator, Chinese scientists have once again made a breakthrough in the field of nano-energy generation.
According to a study published in the February 14 issue of *Nature*, Wang Zhonglin’s team, a leading figure in materials science, has achieved another major milestone in the area of nanoscale energy harvesting. By growing zinc oxide nanowires on elastic fibers, they successfully converted low-frequency vibrations into usable electrical energy. This innovation marks a significant step forward in the development of flexible and wearable energy-harvesting systems.
Wang Zhonglin is also the overseas director of the National Nano Center and a faculty member at Georgia Tech. Since 2006, he has been pioneering the development of nanogenerators and direct current (DC) generators. That same year, he introduced the concept of piezotronics, a new research field based on the unique properties of zinc oxide—its semiconductor and piezoelectric characteristics. When curved zinc oxide nanowires are stretched or compressed, they produce positive and negative potentials on different sides, respectively. The Schottky barrier formed between the zinc oxide and metal electrodes helps control charge accumulation and release, enabling efficient conversion of mechanical energy into electricity.
In early 2007, based on the principles of piezotronics, Wang’s group used ultrasound to drive arrays of nanowires, creating a nanogenerator capable of independently capturing mechanical energy and converting it into electricity. Under ultrasonic stimulation, this device generated hundreds of nanoamperes of current. However, Wang noted that the output from the fiber-based nanogenerator was still limited, mainly due to high internal resistance and small contact areas between the fibers. To address this, his team is working on improving the performance of the system. For example, coating the fibers with a conductive layer before growing the zinc oxide nanowires can significantly reduce internal resistance, increasing the output current. Additionally, increasing the number of fibers can enhance the overall energy output of the nanogenerator.
The journal’s reviewers praised the study, calling it “a highly creative and groundbreaking piece of work... with revolutionary thinking.†Wang believes that this breakthrough opens up new possibilities for the application of nanogenerators in biotechnology, nanodevices, portable electronics, and even defense technologies.
“Today, nanotechnology has evolved from initial studies on the structure and basic properties of nanomaterials to the purposeful design and fabrication of nanodevices,†Wang explained. “We now have nanosensors, nano-motors, and even nano-robots. However, these miniaturized systems still rely on traditional power sources like batteries. This highlights the urgent need to develop nano-scale power systems that can provide sustainable energy for further miniaturization and integration of nanodevices.â€
Currently, the research has attracted attention from major international media outlets such as BBC, NBC, PBS, and National Geographic, highlighting its significance in the global scientific community.