Light and thermal energy cell based on carbon nanotube films

An energy cell for scavenging light and thermal energies is reported. This energy cell, consisting of a carbon nanotube film (CNF) integrated with a lead zirconate titanate cantilever, is capable of converting light and thermal energies into electricity. This device is based on actuation of CNF upon illumination by light and thermal radiation and generates an electric potential of 10 V. Experiments show that 2.1 mu W power can be generated at a light intensity of 0.13 W/cm(2), sufficient to operate some low-power microsensors and integrated circuits. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3491843]