Case Study – Analysis, Modelling, Simulation – Nanowire Energy-Harvesting Materials
ESL ESPY33 measurement-instruments - accurately determining the piezoelectric-coefficient of nanowires
Electrosciences has extensive experience in characterising and modelling piezoelectric nanowire systems for energy harvesting applications.
Materials such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires exhibit strong piezoelectric responses at nanoscale dimensions. However, translating these responses into useful device performance requires sophisticated modelling approaches capable of linking millions of individual nanostructures to measurable electrical output.
ZnO nanowire arrays SEM micrograph
Finite element analysis and multiphysics simulation help predict:
- Mechanical deformation
- Charge generation
- Electric-field distributions
- Device efficiency
- Scaling effects between nanowires and complete systems
By combining simulation with experimental validation, ElectroSciences supports the optimisation of nanowire-based energy harvesters and self-powered sensor technologies.
Reference
Cain, M.G. et al. Area-Selective Growth of Zinc Oxide Nanowire Arrays for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting, 2024.
