Efficient piezoelectric ZnO nanogenerators based on Au-coated silica sphere array electrode

We reported ZnO nanorod-based piezoelectric nanogenerators (NGs) with Au-coated silica sphere array as an efficient top electrode. This electrode can readily bend the ZnO nanorods due to its enhanced surface roughness, thus resulting in more increased and regular piezoelectric charge output. Under a low external pushing force of 0.3 kgf, the output current and voltage were increased by approximately 2.01 and 1.51 times, respectively, in comparison with a conventional Au top electrode without silica spheres. Also, the effect of Au-coated silica spheres on the bending radius of ZnO nanorods was theoretically investigated.