[001]-oriented crystalline Potassium-Sodium Niobate thin film fabricated at low temperature for use in piezoelectric energy harvester

In this study, 1.0-mu m thick crystalline (K1-xNax)NbO3 (KNN) films were deposited onto various substrates at 350 degrees C for use in piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs). A Sr2Nb3O10 (SN) nanosheet monolayer fabricated on these substrates acted as the seed-layer for the formation of a [001]-oriented crystalline KNN film at 350 degrees C. The [001]-oriented KNN films deposited on a SN/Ni substrate exhibited smaller epsilon(r) (278) and larger d(33) (166 pm/V) values than those of a randomly oriented crystalline KNN film. Because the output power of the PEH is generally proportional to d(33)(2)/epsilon(r), a [001]-oriented KNN thin film is a good material for use in a PEH. A KNN/SN/Ni PEH shows a large output power density of 20 mu W/mm(3) (2.9 mu W) at 1.0 M Omega based on a soft tapping motion of the finger. The KNN/SN fabricated on the Ni substrate was transferred to a flexible and transparent ITO/polyethylene naphthalate (I-PEN) substrate. The transparent KNN/SN/I-PEN PEH exhibited a promising output power density of 7.02 mu W/mm(3) with a maximum output voltage of 4.2 V, indicating its applicability as a power source of an electrochromic smart glass window.

Automated summary

In this study, [001]-oriented crystalline KNN films with specific properties were successfully deposited on various substrates with the assistance of a SN nanosheet monolayer. The [001]-oriented KNN films showed superior performance in piezoelectric energy harvesters compared to randomly oriented crystalline KNN films, making them a promising material for such applications. Additionally, a flexible and transparent KNN/SN/I-PEN PEH demonstrated high output power density and potential for being utilized as a power source in smart glass technology.