Mechanical energy harvesting using reduced graphene oxide based nanocomposites

Abstract

Nanomaterials are usually considered with the materials with particle sizes varying from sub-nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. The scale of one nanometer(nm) can be compared to the length of an elemental atom. Materials in nanometer scale shows physical properties that are different from that of the bulk. The study of nanomaterials includes understanding the physical, chemical properties and their other phenomenon and processes. Synthesis of nanomaterials is an important process because this is what determines the dimensions as well as the properties of the nanomaterials. The synthesis of nanomaterials involves two processes, the “bottom-up” and the “top-down” approach. In the bottom-up approach elements or compounds are used for the synthesis of nanoparticles, nanotubes or layered sheets. This approach further requires following physical and chemical processes that may require costlier infrastructure. Nevertheless, it is essential to perform the study of nanomaterials as its importance revolves around solving practical life problems that cannot be addressed by bulk scale materials. In the top-down approach a 2-3 times larger object is synthesized than the desired nanostructure. Then to achieve the desired nanoscale features, nanopatterning techniques are utilized. This is a widely used method in the microelectronics industry. The advantages of the bottom-up approach are cost-effectiveness, scalability, uniformity of the nanomaterial.