Page 133 - eBook_Proceedings of the International Conference on Digital Manufacturing V2

FABRICATION AND
CHARACTERISATION OF A LOW-

COST PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE
USING ROCHELLE SALT FOR
ENERGY HARVESTING AND SENSOR
APPLICATIONS

Hafiz Syed Rohan Ali (NED University of Engineering and
Technology), Muhammad Huzaifa Iqbal (NED University of
Engineering and Technology), Shehroze Tahir Khan (NED University
of Engineering and Technology)*, Abdul Qadir (NED University of
Engineering and Technology), Murtuza Mehdi (NED University of
Engineering and Technology)

ABSTRACT

We have been researching piezoelectric materials because they
can convert mechanical stress to electrical energy, making them
suitable for energy harvesting applications. The article illustrates
designing and testing a low-cost piezoelectric energy harvesting
device produced by thin films of Rochelle salt (potassium sodium
tartrate tetrahydrate). The thin film was made by melting Rochelle
salt particles between an aluminium foil sandwich, acting as the
electrodes and improves electrical conductivity for charge
collection efficiency. The piezoelectric response was tested by
applying and then releasing mechanical stress onto the device.
From our experimental study, it was demonstrated that the
fabricated device yields measurable voltage outputs to applied
stress, affirming its functionality attributed to piezoelectricity.
Thus, results indicate that suitable synthesis of Rochelle salt can
yield a significant upshot toward a candidate material for
piezoelectric energy harvesting that is low-cost and
environmentally sound.

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