Direct current energy generators from a conducting polymer–inorganic oxide junction

Abstract

Direct current (DC) output mechanical energy-to-electricity conversion devices show potential to directly power electronic devices without pre-rectification, but remain difficult to develop. Herein, we report a novel DC energy generator device that is prepared using two semiconductors, a conducting polymer and a metal oxide, as active substances. Without a rectifier, the devices show DC power outputs under repeated compressive impacts. The non-ohmic contact formed between the semiconductors is found to play a critical role in generating the DC power. This novel DC generator may be useful for the development of self-powered electronics for various applications.