Dynamic Semiconductor Heterojunction Direct-Current Generator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current nanogenerators have limitations in power generation due to material constraints, structure, and working principles, resulting in low current and power output, and require external rectifier and energy storage circuits, which hinders miniaturization and portability.

Innovation Solution

A direct-current generator based on dynamic semiconductor heterojunction is developed, utilizing contact movement between semiconductor materials with different Fermi levels to generate a high-intensity built-in electric field, allowing direct conversion of mechanical energy into direct-current energy without external rectification, using simple materials and a low-cost structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional nanogenerators are used, then green energy conversion is achieved, but current and power generation are not high enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generationVSAvoidcurrent density
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental working principle from triboelectric effect to dynamic semiconductor heterojunction effect, altering the physical parameters of charge generation and transport. This enables current density increase by 2-3 orders of magnitude and power density reaching microwatt to milliwatt level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite semiconductor heterojunction structures (e.g., Si/GaAs, Si/MoS2) with different Fermi levels to create strong built-in electric fields. The heterojunction combines materials with complementary properties to achieve high current density and stable direct-current output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional nanogenerators are used, then alternating-current electrical signal is generated, but external rectifier circuit and energy storage circuit are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect-current output capabilityVSAvoidexternal circuit requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic semiconductor heterojunction structure inherently generates direct-current output through asymmetric charge transport under cyclic mechanical stress. The built-in electric field automatically directs charge flow in one polarity, eliminating the need for external rectification and energy storage circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the rectifier circuit and energy storage circuit from the system by fundamentally changing the generation mechanism to produce direct-current directly, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and enabling true miniaturization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If conventional nanogenerators are used, then green energy conversion is achieved, but miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing to dynamic semiconductor heterojunction mechanism, the patent achieves microwatt to milliwatt power density in miniature devices, enabling practical portable applications without requiring large external circuits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the generation and rectification functions into a single integrated structure, where the heterojunction itself produces direct-current output, eliminating the need for separate external circuits and enabling true miniaturization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The generator achieves a significantly higher current density (2-3 orders of magnitude higher than conventional nanogenerators) and increased generating voltage, enabling real-time power supply to electronic devices without external circuits, suitable for miniature and portable applications.

Implementation Method 1

Lateral movement of heterojunction in a junction region may break the diffusion-drift current balance of a built-in electric field. As a result, diffusion charges bounce directionally under a high-intensity built-in electric field to generate a current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuilt-in electric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

Lateral movement of heterojunction in a junction region may break the diffusion-drift current balance of a built-in electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion-drift current: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

a front surface of the first semiconductor layer and a back surface of the second semiconductor layer contact each other by means of an insulating layer and are slidable relative to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11522468B2Direct-current generator based on dynamic semiconductor heterojunction, and method for preparing same
Publication Date: 2022.12.06 ZHEJIANG UNIV
  • US11522468B2 patent drawing
  • US11522468B2 patent drawing
  • US11522468B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A direct-current generator based on dynamic semiconductor heterojunction and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. Direct-current generator includes a first semiconductor layer (1) and a second semiconductor layer (4); a first electrode (2) is provided on back surface of the first semiconductor layer (1), an insulating layer (3) is provided on front surface of the first semiconductor layer (1); a second electrode (5) is provided on a side of the second semiconductor layer (4); front surface of the first semiconductor layer and a bare side of the second semiconductor layer contact each other and are slidable relative to each other to form a dynamic semiconductor heterojunction direct-current generator; materials of the first semiconductor layer (1) and the second semiconductor layer (4) have different Fermi levels. The generator has high current density, and a generating voltage can increase by designing interface energy band and adding the insulating layer.