Advancing Innovation: The Crucial Role of Piezoelectric Ceramics

Wei Chen, Director, Applied Piezoelectric Innovations, Tencent Holdings Limited

Piezoelectric materials, with unique properties like piezoelectricity, reshape modern technology by converting mechanical energy into electrical signals, driving innovation.

Understanding and using piezoelectric materials have become an essential element of innovation. Piezoelectric ceramics are widely used because of their special qualities. Elasticity controls the relationship between deformation and applied force, while dielectric characteristics demonstrate how they respond to external electric fields. However, the most integral component is piezoelectricity, which includes both inverse and positive piezoelectric effects.

In positive piezoelectricity, polarisation results from the displacement of charge centers caused by applying an external mechanical force. This unique characteristic is the core of their uses, demonstrating the critical function piezoelectric ceramics serve in transforming mechanical energy into electrical impulses and vice versa in various technical domains.

Applications of Piezoelectric Ceramics

Voice Changers and Sound Transducers: Piezoelectric ceramics find application as sound transducers in buzzers, microphones, headphones, pickups, and ultrasonic sounders, among other devices. Through the inverse piezoelectric effect, these ceramics enable converting AC audio signals into sound signals in voice changers, electronic music greeting cards, and related applications.

Piezo Detonator in Anti-Tank Weapons: Since anti-tank weapons' warheads contain piezoelectric ceramics, a high voltage is instantly produced upon impact. By igniting a detonation, this high voltage defeats tanks.

Piezo Lighters for Gas Stoves: Electronic lighters for gas stoves use piezoelectric ceramics. When the ignition button is pressed, high voltage is generated through these ceramics, igniting petrol with electric sparks. Because of their long lifespan, dependability, and safety, piezo lighters have become a mainstay of gas stove technology.

Nuclear Safety Goggles: Piezoelectric transparent ceramics are essential to nuclear safety goggles. These goggles dramatically reduce light intensity and protect the wearer by instantly converting harmful optical radiation into high-voltage electricity.

The future of piezoelectric materials is poised for brilliance, with ongoing research and development promising a surge in innovative applications. A key focus lies in crafting new materials endowed with heightened efficiency, broader temperature tolerances, and enhanced flexibility. This pursuit aims to push the boundaries of piezoelectric capabilities. Additionally, a transformative trend involves integrating these materials into smart structures, enabling the monitoring of structural health and harnessing energy from vibrations.

A significant leap forward is anticipated in self-powered devices, where piezoelectric materials may eliminate the dependence on batteries for small-scale applications like sensors and medical implants. This multifaceted trajectory ensures an exciting era of advancements in the expansive domain of piezoelectric technology. The unique properties of these materials have paved the way for innovations that extend from energy harvesting to structural health monitoring. As research and development unfolds, the future holds promise for even more advanced applications.