Transforming Footsteps into Sustainable Energy with Piezoelectric Thin Film

This study explores a sustainable approach to energy generation through harnessing footstep power generation by utilizing lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric (PZT) sensors. Amidst energy scarcity, these sensors offer innovative means to convert intrinsic mechanical pressure from footsteps into electrical energy. At the core of this investigation, PZT sensors are strategically embedded within the soles of shoes to capture and efficiently harness the vibrational energy generated by human movement. The captured energy is then stored in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, effectively channeling the untapped kinetic energy of footsteps into a storable and accessible electrical resource. Experiments reveal that the arrangement of hexagonal PZTs resulted in a higher maximum output voltage of 139.61 V, compared to 110.69V from circular PZTs. This research aims to present a sustainable, cost-effective, and ecological approach for electricity generation to potentially address energy challenges while embracing greener practices, highlighting the promising approach of tapping into everyday human activities for energy generation.