High-performance perovskite-based energy harvesting devices

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Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), which can convert ubiquitously available mechanical energies to electricity, have emerged as a very promising power source for self-powered small-sized electronics and sensors. In piezoelectric materials, the dipole moment of molecules/atoms is altered upon the application of external mechanical strain, leading to macroscopic electric charge accumulation/current flow at material surfaces. Nevertheless, most of conventional piezoelectric materials are inorganic crystals and/or ceramics. Unfortunately, these highly-piezoelectric inorganic crystals and ceramics are inherently brittle (thus fragile and not flexible) and their material synthesis is often based on a high-temperature process.  The goal of this research program is to develop and optimize high-performance organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite-based energy harvesting technologies. The organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite composite materials combine the merits of both organic molecules and crystalline inorganic materials at a molecular level. The key research objectives include: (1) The material synthesis and characterization of novel perovskite materials with high piezoelectric coefficient and excellent chemical stability using solution-based approaches; (2) The device fabrication and characterization of energy-harvesting devices based on organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite composite materials; (3) The application demonstration of fabricated devices for energy harvesting, wireless communication and remote sensing. The development and implementation of these novel technologies will help establish a leadership position for Canada within this growing field of green energy nanomaterials and devices. The commercialization of the invented materials and devices will promote Canadian industry in the fields of Internet of Things, wearable electronics and sensors, and biomedical engineering. This research will also provide an excellent opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to gain hands-on experience in nanomaterials, nanofabrication, nanoelectronics, biomedical devices. These skills include material synthesis and characterizations; electrical, optical, spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations; device fabrication and system integration; communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, which are crucial for careers in the strategically important sectors (nanoelectronics, advanced manufacture, biomedical devices, health care) to the Canadian economy.