Publication

Abstract : Different naturally occurring and wasted vibrational energy forms can be converted into electrical output with the help of proper Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems (PEHS). Even though there are many attractive features of piezoelectric materials like: high energy density, light weight, compactness, the one main disadvantage is low current density. In this work flexible piezoelectric micro-generators suitable for PEHS were made with simple, low cost hydrothermal method with BaTiO3/PDMS micro-composites. The ceramic polymer micro-composite was developed by mixing of Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) ceramic powder with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer in 4:1 wt ratio. The fabricated device is flexible, heat resistant and stretchable with good output voltages upon the application of vibrational energy. The short circuit current is found to be improved by incorporating 0.01 wt% of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly (styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT: PSS) to the BaTiO3/PDMS composite material. The Piezo electric characteristics of both materials are compared and the PEDOT: PSS incorporated material is found to have better output current density. The newly developed micro-generator has improved piezoelectric characteristics.