Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My research proposal is about 'Generating Piezoelectricity Using Zinc Oxide to Power Urban Houses'. My professor told that he will only approve of it providing that I create a blueprint of the generator, know the prices of the materials that is needed and find out if making one will take too much time.

I have not yet started with the blueprint for I have no idea what form should the ZnO come from. Is it okay if we use powder or film? I have researched possible forms of piezoelectric generators and those include PZT Beams, Piezoelectric Cantilever Beams and a Three-Layer Multimorphs. The latter needs 'layers', so should I purchase a zinc oxide film?

Also, may I know possible places where to buy zinc oxide? Help in any form is appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
love_dust2

Hello love_dust2,

In order to extract electricity from a piezoelectric material, you need a crystal. While the piezo effect occurs in the gains of a powder, the electricity from each grain is just lost among the grains.

I can't find appropriate zinc-oxide crystals online.

You can see some piezoelectric crystals made of other materials here. Please note the small amount of power you get from these small crystals.

You might find it easier to use a magnetic generator. See this project for some ideas.