Theoretical study of output of piezoelectric nanogenerator based on composite of PZT nanowires and polymers

Piezoelectric nanogenerator based on oriented assembly of nanowires is a dominant device developed for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. By finite element method, the nanogenerator based on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanowires is modeled to evaluate its capacitance, charge density on the top electrode and open circuit output voltage. Based on different types of PZT materials and polymers, our study presents the output voltage of the nanogenerator by changing of the PZT nanowire's length, diameter, and the nanogenerator's thickness. These results will be of crucial importance for optimal of the performance of the flexible nanogenerator based on oriented nanowire assembly. •PZT-7A shows the highest output among different PZT materials.•Longer length of PZT nanowires gives rise to higher output.•Thinner diameter generates higher output voltage.•Device thickness has limited effect on output performance.•Replacement of PMMA with PDMS causes an increased output.