Organic piezoelectric materials: milestones and potential

• DOI: 10.1038/s41427-019-0110-5
• Publication Date: 2019-03-07T00:11:17Z
• Authors: Sarah Guerin; Syed A. M. Tofail; Damien Thompson
• Keywords: Biomolecule

Abstract Research on the piezoelectric response of biomolecules has intensified following demonstration open circuit voltages over 20 V in biopiezoelectric generators. Organic nanotubes, fibers, and micro-islands have been grown studied; however, lack fundamental understanding effect nature hinders rational design biomaterials to provide a tailor-made response. Advances high performance computing facilitated use quantum mechanical calculations predict full tensor biomolecular crystals, including amino acids small peptides. By identifying directions response, simulations can guide experimental crystal growth, device fabrication electrical testing, which led unprecedented responses organic crystals order 200 pC/N. These large arise from strong supramolecular dipoles, be tuned by molecular chemistry packing, opening new opportunities for realization technologically useful devices renewable materials. The predicted exhibit highest such as glycine, hydroxyproline lysine, are anticipated used engineer highly peptides future. With improved scaling advanced computational methods, density functional perturbation theory, research community begin efficiently screen peptide structures enhanced electromechanical properties. This capability will accelerate development much-needed insight into evolution hierarchical relation biological materials starting strongly building blocks.