Cost-Effective Process Uses Piezoelectric Materials for Micro Energy Harvesting

Fraunhofer researchers are using this lab coater to produce piezoelectric AlN layers for low power sensors in an economically feasible manner. © Fraunhofer FEP.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP (Fraunhofer FEP) have developed an innovative process for cost-effective production of piezoelectric materials for micro-energy harvesting applications. Developments in many applications require energy self-sufficient probes and miniature mobile electronics systems that acquire the energy they need from the surrounding environment.

The supply of power for sensors through wires or batteries, in locations where there are space constraints, is often complicated. This can be addressed by integrating energy intake and producing power onsite using piezoelectric, thermoelectric materials and solar cells.

Piezoelectric materials have the ability to generate electric energy from mechanical vibrations. They can be used in places where vibrations occur, such as on engines, industrial equipment and on the human body. The heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure in the body cause vibrations that can be harvested. So far, leadzirconium- titanium composites (PZT) and aluminum nitride (AlN) have been used as piezoelectric materials. AlN demonstrates better properties as it is biocompatible, lead-free and can be used in existing processes for producing microelectronics.

Smaller piezoelectric materials are needed for smaller microelectrical systems. However, these materials require a specific volume for production of the needed energy. So far, researchers have not been able to cost-effectively produce targeted piezo coatings. Existing methods to produce targeted piezo coatings deliver very small coating areas, homogeneity and deposition rates and are also not economical.

The new method developed at Fraunhofer enables precipitation of highly homogeneous layers on products having up to 200mm diameter. Further, it enables high deposition rates, while being more economically feasible and productive.

The piezo coatings were made using a double ring magnetron sputter source for reactive magnetron sputtering of aluminum targets onto a silicon wafer. This deposition was made in an argon-nitrogen atmosphere and it enabled homogeneous deposition of AlN layers.

Fraunhofer FEP researchers collaborated with Oulu University in Finland, and the Technical University of Dresden to test energy harvesting using AlN coatings on silicon strips. The study reveals the feasibility of AlN layers for low-power sensors. Further, usage of aluminum-scandium-nitride layers provides better piezo-coefficients that enable more power production.

The researchers will unveil a demonstration model at the Electronica trade show in Munich this year.

References 

Stuart Milne

Written by

Stuart Milne

Stuart graduated from the University of Wales, Institute Cardiff with a first-class honours degree in Industrial Product Design. After working on a start-up company involved in LED Lighting solutions, Stuart decided to take an opportunity with AZoNetwork. Over the past five years at AZoNetwork, Stuart has been involved in developing an industry leading range of products, enhancing client experience and improving internal systems designed to deliver significant value for clients hard earned marketing dollars. In his spare time Stuart likes to continue his love for art and design by creating art work and continuing his love for sketching. In the future Stuart, would like to continue his love for travel and explore new and exciting places.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Fraunhofer FEP. (2014, October 29). Cost-Effective Process Uses Piezoelectric Materials for Micro Energy Harvesting. AZoM. Retrieved on December 02, 2024 from https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=42742.

  • MLA

    Fraunhofer FEP. "Cost-Effective Process Uses Piezoelectric Materials for Micro Energy Harvesting". AZoM. 02 December 2024. <https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=42742>.

  • Chicago

    Fraunhofer FEP. "Cost-Effective Process Uses Piezoelectric Materials for Micro Energy Harvesting". AZoM. https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=42742. (accessed December 02, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Fraunhofer FEP. 2014. Cost-Effective Process Uses Piezoelectric Materials for Micro Energy Harvesting. AZoM, viewed 02 December 2024, https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=42742.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.