Acoustic Core-Shell Resonance Harvester for Application of Artificial Cochlea Based on the Piezo-Triboelectric Effect.

ABSTRACT

The demand for flexible, efficient, and self-powered cochlear implants applied to remedy sensorineural hearing loss caused by dysfunctional hair cells remains urgent. Herein, we report an acoustic core-shell resonance harvester for the application of artificial cochleae based on the piezo-triboelectric effect. Integrating dispersed BaTiO3 particles as cores and porous PVDF-TrFE as shells, the acoustic harvest devices with ingenious core-shell structures exhibit outstanding piezo-triboelectric properties (Voc = 15.24 V, DAsc = 9.22 mA/m2). The acoustic harvest principle reveals that BaTiO3 nanocores resonate with sound waves and bounce against porous PVDF-TrFE microshells, thereby generating piezo-triboelectric signals. By experimental measurement and numerical modeling, the vibration process and resonance regulation of acoustic harvest devices were intensively investigated to regulate the influential parameters. Furthermore, the acoustic harvesters exhibit admirable feasibility and sensitivity for sound recording and show potential application for artificial cochlea.