Flexoelectrical nanogenerator design using aligned carbon nanotubes

The experimental studies of the current and surface potential generated during deformation and vibration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were carried out. It is shown that an individual CNT generate a current of -24 nA by pressing force of 0.155 nN. It is also established that a CNT array generates a surface potential up to 0.32 V when it vibrates with a frequency of 10 kHz. The obtained results show the ability of CNTs to transform external mechanical influences, including minor mechanical vibrations of the environment, into electric current and potential. These results can be used for the design of high-efficiency flexoelectrical nanogenerator based on aligned carbon nanotubes. (paper)