Energy Harvesting Using Optimized ZnO Polymer Nanocomposite-Based 3D-Printed Lattice Structure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• 3D-printable polymers offer potential for piezoelectric structures.
• Optimizing nanocomposite formulation and 3D printing is crucial for complex geometries.
• Additive manufacturing requires tailored material properties for processability and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize a 3D-printable piezoelectric composite formulation for complex geometries using additive manufacturing.
• To investigate the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterial loading on printability and piezoelectric properties.
• To evaluate the piezoelectric performance of fabricated lattice structures compared to solid structures.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterial.
• Optimization of ZnO loading in a 3D-printable flexible resin for interfacial adhesion and printability.
• Fabrication of lattice structures using an additive manufacturing approach.
• Characterization of piezoelectric response under varying forces.

Main Results:

• Optimized ZnO loading in the 3D-printed flexible resin enhanced interfacial adhesion and printability.
• Lattice structures exhibited improved piezoelectric response compared to solid structures.
• A lattice structure with 10 wt% ZnO demonstrated a linear voltage increase with applied force.
• Maximum power density reached 0.065 μW/cm² under 12 N at 1 Hz.
• A peak-to-peak voltage of approximately 3 V was generated during a foot heel strike.

Conclusions:

• The optimized 3D-printable piezoelectric composite formulation enables the fabrication of complex geometries with high printability.
• The lattice structure design significantly enhances the piezoelectric performance.
• This study presents a viable approach for developing efficient piezoelectric energy harvesters using additive manufacturing.