Functional electrical stimulation by nanogenerator with 58 V output voltage.

Zhu, Guang; Wang, Aurelia C; Liu, Ying; Zhou, Yusheng; Wang, Zhong Lin · Nano Lett · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We demonstrate a new type of integrated nanogenerator based on arrays of vertically aligned piezoelectric ZnO nanowires. The peak open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current reach a record high level of 58 V and 134 μA, respectively, with a maximum power density of 0.78 W/cm(3). The electric output was directly applied to a sciatic nerve of a frog, inducing innervation of the nerve. Vibrant contraction of the frog's gastrocnemius muscle is observed as a result of the instantaneous electric input from the nanogenerator.

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