In
this paper, a direct sustainable approach for the development of a
n-ZnO:p-CuO heterojunction (ZCH) through a simple grinding is reported
to be an effective technique to enhance the piezoelectric performance
of ZCH/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite-based nanogenerators
(ZP-PNGs). We have first optimized the best concentration for ZnO/PDMS
nanocomposite for the realization of the piezoelectric nanogenerator.
Later, with the same configuration, we implemented a novel, simple,
facile, frugal, and inexpensive technique to fabricate ZCH. The heterojunction
results in the improved charge transfer characteristics, low capacitance,
and charge nullification contributing to the enhanced piezoelectric
output. This reflects in the improvement of the peak-to-peak piezoelectric
potential of the device from 2.7 to 9 V. The instantaneous max power
density was found to be 0.2 mW/m2. The device can work
as a force sensor with improved sensitivity of 1.7 V/N compared to
1.05 V/N of the intrinsic device. The device is being systematically studied for load
matching and capacitor charging to demonstrate its practicability.
Furthermore, we tested our device to harness the biomechanical energy
from day-to-day life activities. Finally, the device was used to fabricate
sustainable piezoelectric-based smart urinal systems for low-income
group countries.