Nano-enabled energy technologies

Distinguished Lecture SeriesPresentsZ. L. WangGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAbstract:Abstract
Developing novel technologies for wireless nanodevices and nanosystems are of critical importance for sensing, medical science, defense technology and even personal electronics. It is highly desired for wireless devices and even required for nanodevices to be self-powered without using battery. It is essential to explore innovative nanotechnologies for converting mechanical energy, vibration energy, and hydraulic energy into electric energy, aiming at building self-powered nanosystems. We have demonstrated innovative approaches for converting mechanical energy into electric energy by piezoelectric zinc oxide nanowire (NW) arrays. Based on the piezoelectric potential created by strain in nanowires and in conjunction with the presence of a Schottky barrier at the contact, our research has demonstrated the technological road map from fundamental science, engineering scale-up to technological applications of the nanogenerators. As of today, we have demonstrated “self-poweredâ€Â nanosensors that work by harvesting energy from the environment. In addition, three-dimensional solar cells have been fabricated by integrating optical fiber with nanowires for developing “hiddenâ€Â, concealed and high efficiency solar cells. This talk will focus on the energy technologies developed using ZnO nanowires as the platform.

Location: James H. Zumberge Hall Of Science (ZHS) - 159

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Petra Pearce Sapir