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Piezoelectricity in chalcogenide perovskites
Sk Shamim Hasan Abir1, Shyam Sharma1, Prince Sharma2
1Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA.
Nature Communications
|July 9, 2024
Summary
Researchers discovered lead-free piezoelectric materials in the chalcogenide perovskite family. These materials can harvest energy from vibrations, offering a safer alternative to traditional lead-based options for powering devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Traditional piezoelectric materials often contain lead, a toxic carcinogen.
- Environmental regulations increasingly restrict the use of lead-containing materials.
- There is a need for safe, efficient lead-free piezoelectric alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the piezoelectric properties of lead-free chalcogenide perovskites.
- To explore the potential of these materials for energy harvesting applications.
- To develop piezoelectric composites for powering electronic devices.
Main Methods:
- First-principles calculations to predict piezoelectric behavior.
- Piezoresponse force microscopy to experimentally confirm piezoelectricity.
- Fabrication of composites using BaZrS3 and polycaprolactone.
Main Results:
- Lead-free chalcogenide perovskites exhibit piezoelectricity.
- Calculations revealed that vacant space in the unit cell facilitates ion displacement and dipole moment generation.
- BaZrS3 was confirmed as piezoelectric via piezoresponse force microscopy.
- BaZrS3-polycaprolactone composites demonstrated potential for harvesting energy from human motion.
Conclusions:
- Chalcogenide perovskites represent a promising class of lead-free piezoelectric materials.
- The unique structural properties of these materials enable efficient piezoelectric response.
- Developed composites offer a sustainable solution for powering low-power electronic and electrochemical devices using ambient mechanical energy.
