Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Piezoelectric Nanogenerator with Water Excitation

Abstract

Generation of electrical power using mechanical energies that are readily available in the environment has become indispensible to provide source energy to all the electronic devices that are used in day-to-day lives. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/poly methyl methacralyte (PMMA)-based hybrid film has been employed for nanogeneration. The thin films were characterized using atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mechanical force exerted due to falling water on the device has been converted to electrical current by the RGO/PMMA based nanogenerators. The magnitude of generated current varied with volume of water dropped on the device. The roles of amount of functional groups present in RGO, metal stripes as bottom electrode and the spacing between the fingers have been explored. It was demonstrated that the device can also operate in selfpowered mode, i.e., without applying any bias. It is believed that this study would help in development of highly efficient RGO-based nanogenerator in a cost effective manner. © 2016 IEEE.