Abstract
In this chapter, we present the advantages of semiconducting nanostructures (nanowires) for energy harvesting applications. Three sources of energy are considered: mechanical inputs, light and thermal energy. Different simulation approaches are used to discuss the prospects of these energy transduction solutions at nanoscale. Some guidelines are brought out for the improvement of energy conversion efficiency by nanowires, when integrated into functional devices.
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Acknowledgments
This work has been partly supported by the European Union 7th Framework Program, within the Network of Excellence NanoFunction under grant agreement FP7/ICT/NoE n° 257375.
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Ardila, G. et al. (2014). Towards Self-Powered Systems: Using Nanostructures to Harvest Ambient Energy. In: Nazarov, A., Balestra, F., Kilchytska, V., Flandre, D. (eds) Functional Nanomaterials and Devices for Electronics, Sensors and Energy Harvesting. Engineering Materials. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08804-4_11
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