Wind driven semiconductor electricity generator with high direct current output based on a dynamic Schottky junction

Abstract

With the fast development of the internet of things (IoTs), distributed sensors are frequently used and small and portable power sources are highly demanded. However, current portable power sources such as lithium batteries have low capacity and need to be replaced or recharged frequently. A portable power source which can continuously generate electrical power in situ will be an ideal solution. Herein, we demonstrate a wind driven semiconductor electricity generator based on a dynamic Schottky junction, which can output a continuous direct current with an average value of 4.4 mA (with a maximum value of 8.4 mA) over 740 seconds. Compared with a previous metal/semiconductor generator, the output current is one thousand times higher. Furthermore, this wind driven generator has been used as a turn counter, due to its stable output, and also to drive a graphene ultraviolet photodetector, which shows a responsivity of 35.8 A W⁻¹ under 365 nm ultraviolet light. Our research provides a feasible method to achieve wind power generation and power supply for distributed sensors in the future.