Piezotronic Bipolar Junction Transistor as a Wearable Energy Harvester

This article details the applicability of a thin-film piezotronic bipolar junction transistor as a wearable energy harvester that is capable of signal rectification without any extra and complicated circuitry. An analytical model and equivalent circuit elaborate its working principle and device physics. A preliminary experimental study through 90 degrees-flexion, tapping, and walking proves the device concept and demonstrates that such a harvester can generate power promising for wearable electronics. Coupled with the ease of large-area fabrication processes, a pixelated array that is potentially achievable, makes it a potential candidate for energy sources for internet of things (IoT) nodes and wearable electronics.