High-Performance, Temperature Retardant and Hydrophobic BiCoO₃:PDMS Piezoelectric Nanogenerator for Effective Energy Harvesting in Harsh Environments

Multifunctional nanogenerators are advanced nanoscale devices designed to harvest various forms of waste energy from the environment and convert it into usable electrical energy. In this study, non-centrosymmetric highly crystalline BiCoO₃ nanocubes are synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The average particle size approximately 80 nm of nanocubes are calculated through High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. Piezoelectric Force Microscopy analysis revealed a piezoelectric charge coefficient of 330.41 pm/V for the BiCoO₃ nanocubes. The high output voltage of 44.8 V and an output current density of 9.2 µA/cm², with a quick response time of 40 ms, high sensitivity (298.66 V/kgf) and high energy conversion efficiency of 33.75% are achieved. The nanogenerator is performed under extreme environmental conditions, including elevated temperatures upto 120°C and heavy rainfall, ensuring sustained performance and extended operational lifespan. The demonstration of charging multiple capacitors and simultaneously illuminating 10 LED’s underscores the significant potential of the nanogenerator for next-generation flexible sensor applications. This capability underscores its exceptional robustness and adaptability, positioning it as a highly promising solution in future for sustainable energy harvesting and real-time monitoring applications, particularly in extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures and heavy rainfall.