INRS Nanomaterial scientist Forum: Mechanical to Electric Power Conversion from Dynamic p-n Junctions

Recent advance in DC electric generators has demonstrated that the new generators are of several advantages over traditional electric generators that are well known to us. In these new generators, DC electric power is converted from mechanical power through either semiconductor junction modification by mechanic impact or dynamic junction by sliding one semiconductor/metal electrode on the other. The short circuit current is determined by the generation rate of electrons and holes at the contacted surfaces, while the open-circuit voltage is determined by the chemical potential difference of the two electrodes. In the talk, I shall review recent advances in the generators and discuss the mechanisms of electron/hole generation and transport in the devices. Advances in fundamental semiconductor physics and perspectives and technical challenges will be highlighted. Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/283533