Abstract
Direct-current generators, especially those based on the Schottky contact between conductive polymers and metal electrodes, are efficient in converting mechanical stimuli into electrical energy. In contrast to triboelectric and piezoelectric generators, direct-current generators readily produce direct-current outputs and high currents that are crucial for integrating multiple energy-harvesting units in large scale and driving some types of devices. To further increase the current/voltage output of direct-current generator, here, we systematically investigate the effects of various conductive polymers and electrodes on the outputs by both computations and experiments. Particularly, the direct-current generator based on Cu/PANI/Ag is found to exhibit overwhelmingly current and voltage outputs over previous ones (current: 800 µA, 4 times larger; voltage: 3.5 V, 5 times larger.) under the same mechanical deformation. The preparation method of electrochemical deposition endows the generators flexibility, the linear relationship of current/voltage output vs. strain applied on the generators, combined with the large outputs offer advantages for the generator to work as flexible sensors. Furthermore, a mechanosensation-active matrix array based on direct-current generator for the strain monitoring demonstrated its promising prospects in flexible electronics. The direct-current generators with improved performance could serve as a stream new blood for versatile sensory systems and human-machine interactive interfaces.
Direct-Current Generator Based on Dynamic PN Junctions with the Designed Voltage Output
