Energy harvesting based on semiconducting piezoelectric ZnO nanostructures

Multifunctional ZnO semiconductor is a potential candidate for electronics and optoelectronics applications and can be commercialized owing to its excellent electrical and optical properties, inexpensiveness, relative abundance, chemical stability towards air, and much simpler and wide range of crystal-growth technologies. The semiconducting and piezoelectric properties of environmental friendly ZnO are extremely important for energy harvesting devices. This article reviews the importance of energy harvesting using ZnO nanostructures, mainly focusing on ZnO nanostructure-based photovoltaics, piezoelectric nanogenerators, and the hybrid approach to energy harvesting. Several research and design efforts leading to commercial products in the field of energy harvesting are discussed. This paper discusses the future goals that must be achieved to commercialize these approaches for everyday use.

Graphical abstractThis paper reviews the importance of multi-functional ZnO nanostructures in energy harvesting including solar, mechanical, and multi-type energies. Intensive research and design efforts to commercialize energy harvesting using multi-dimensional ZnO nanostructures are discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Multifunctional ZnO nanostructures have potential in efficient energy harvesting. ► Research efforts of solar, mechanical, and multi-type energies harvesting are discussed. ► Further challenge and opportunities of ZnO nanostructures in energy harvesting are highlighted.