Self-assembly of diphenylalanine peptide with controlled polarization for power generation

Vu Nguyen, Ren Zhu, Kory Jenkins and Rusen Yang ()
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Vu Nguyen: University of Minnesota
Ren Zhu: University of Minnesota
Kory Jenkins: University of Minnesota
Rusen Yang: University of Minnesota

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: Abstract Peptides have attracted considerable attention due to their biocompatibility, functional molecular recognition and unique biological and electronic properties. The strong piezoelectricity in diphenylalanine peptide expands its technological potential as a smart material. However, its random and unswitchable polarization has been the roadblock to fulfilling its potential and hence the demonstration of a piezoelectric device remains lacking. Here we show the control of polarization with an electric field applied during the peptide self-assembly process. Uniform polarization is obtained in two opposite directions with an effective piezoelectric constant d33 reaching 17.9 pm V−1. We demonstrate the power generation with a peptide-based power generator that produces an open-circuit voltage of 1.4 V and a power density of 3.3 nW cm−2. Devices enabled by peptides with controlled piezoelectricity provide a renewable and biocompatible energy source for biomedical applications and open up a portal to the next generation of multi-functional electronics compatible with human tissue.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13566

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