Targeted doping builds a high energy density composite piezoceramics for energy harvesting

To build piezoceramics with high transduction coefficient (d(33) x g(33)) is the key to improve the power generation capability of piezoelectric energy harvester. Here, a new targeted doping strategy has been proposed to significantly increase the energy density of piezoceramics. Taking the modification of 0.2Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O-3-0.8Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O-3 (PZN-PZT) as an example, dual functions can be achieved by introducing appropriate amount of target-doped (Zn0.1Ni0.9) TiO3 (ZTN9) based on its pyrolysis characteristics. On the one hand, Ni2+ ions enter the perovskite matrix to replace Zn2+ ions to form equivalent doping; on the other hand, it induces the formation of 0-3 ZnO/perovskite composite structure, and both of which promote the large increase in d(33) x g(33) due to the changes in the domain configuration are more conducive to the ferro-/piezoelectricity. In all compositions, 0.67 mol% ZTN9 added specimen has a maximum value (12 433 x 10(-1)5 m(2)/N) of the d(33) x g(33). The cantilever piezoelectric energy harvester fabricated with this material generates up to 4.50 mu W/mm(3) of power density at 1 g acceleration, which is capable of quickly charging a 47 mu F electrolytic capacitor and then lit 135 parallel-connected commercial blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), showing its important application in implementing self-powered microsensors.