Acoustic Core–Shell Resonance Harvester for Application of Artificial Cochlea Based on the Piezo-Triboelectric Effect

Abstract

The demand for flexible, efficient, and self-powered cochlear implants applied to remedy sensorineural hearing loss caused by dysfunctional hair cells remains urgent. Herein, we report an acoustic core–shell resonance harvester for the application of artificial cochleae based on the piezo-triboelectric effect. Integrating dispersed BaTiO3 particles as cores and porous PVDF-TrFE as shells, the acoustic harvest devices with ingenious core–shell structures exhibit outstanding piezo-triboelectric properties (V oc = 15.24 V, DA sc = 9.22 mA/m2). The acoustic harvest principle reveals that BaTiO3 nanocores resonate with sound waves and bounce against porous PVDF-TrFE microshells, thereby generating piezo-triboelectric signals. By experimental measurement and numerical modeling, the vibration process and resonance regulation of acoustic harvest devices were intensively investigated to regulate the influential parameters. Furthermore, the acoustic harvesters exhibit admirable feasibility and sensitivity for sound recording and show potential application for artificial cochlea.

Piezoelectric nanogenerators for personalized healthcare

“…[607][608][609][610][611] Moreover, a sensor with a hybrid mechanism can also offer complementary and improved performance. [612][613][614] For example, when piezoelectric sensing is coupled with piezoresistive sensing, a wider detection range can be obtained. 615-617 (6) In addition to developing sensors with excellent performance, signal identification and signal analysis are key steps to implement when using those devices towards practical applications.…”

Artificial Sense Technology: Emulating and Extending Biological Senses

“…(b,f) Solution synthesis approaches (b) for preparing BaTiO 3 /PVDF-TrFE membranes with core–shell nanostructures to mimetic basilar membrane in cochlea (f). Images b and f reprinted from ref . Copyright 2021 American Chemical Society.…”

“…Moreover, the organization of nanostructures could also impact the performance of materials. Zheng et al reported an artificial basilar membrane based on the piezotriboelectric effect . They applied a multistep procedure to incorporate BaTiO 3 nanoparticle cores into porous poly­(vinylidenefluoride- co -trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) shells to fabricate a membrane with well-organized core–shell structures that can generate charge separation and a potential gradient under uniform pressure (Figure b,f).…”

“…Zheng et al reported an artificial basilar membrane based on the piezotriboelectric effect. 13 They applied a multistep procedure to incorporate BaTiO 3 nanoparticle Construction of Hierarchical Structures. To emulate biological sensory systems further, nanomaterials can act as building blocks to construct hierarchical structures at a higher level via nanotechnology.…”

Flexible Ferroelectric Materials-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Mechanical Energy Harvesting

“…The demand for adaptable, efficient, and self-powered cochlear implants is still pressing. As shown in Figure 7A, Jiaqi Zheng et al proposed a cochlear implant based on the piezoelectric-triboelectric effect made of BTO and PVDF (Zheng et al, 2021). By dispersing the BTO nano powder in PVDF, a shell-core structure is formed that enhances the piezoelectric and triboelectric response.…”