Controlled synthesis of luminescent ZnS nanosheets with high piezoelectric performance for designing mechanical energy harvesting device

For the first time, single-step fabrication of two-dimensional nanosheets of zinc sulfide (ZnS) was achieved employing flexible aluminum (Al) foil substrate using hydrothermal technique at 140 degrees C for similar to 4 h. Indium doped Tin Oxide (ITO) coated on PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) substrate and ZnS deposited Al foil as a top and bottom electrodes were used to fabricate a piezoelectric device. To generate an electric potential, the top ITO electrode was tapped on the ZnS nanosheets. The open-circuit voltage, VOC of similar to 400 mV was obtained and analyzed for ZnS nanosheets based nanogenerator with gentle finger taping. However, the highest output for the single nanogenerator was found to be similar to 600 mV by applying toe pressure. Additionally, switching polarity and superposition experiments were utilized to confirm the nanogenerator's performance, with the findings confirming piezo-electric voltage output. This study investigates the new potential for a ZnS-based high-efficient energy harvester that can scavenge biomechanical energy for next-generation flexible self-powered electronics devices as well as a good replacement for ZnO nanosheets in 2D nanostructured based nanogenerator devices due to its simple single-step production process, low cost, and high output gain.

Automated summary

Two-dimensional nanosheets of zinc sulfide were successfully fabricated for the first time on flexible aluminum foil substrate using hydrothermal technique. These nanosheets were used to create a piezoelectric device capable of generating electric potential from biomechanical energy. Experiments confirmed the high efficiency and voltage output potential of the ZnS-based nanogenerator.