Structural transformation of graphitic carbon nitride from 2D to 1D architectures for enhanced piezoelectric performance

In the field of sustainable energy harvesting, piezoelectric nanogenerators have emerged as promising devices for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has significant potential for piezoelectric applications due to its environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. However, its conventional two-dimensional (2D) form exhibits limited piezoelectric output, necessitating structural modifications for enhanced performance. In this study, 2D g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (CNNS) are successfully transformed into one-dimensional (1D) structures to enhance their piezoelectric properties. Two distinct 1D morphologies, carbon nitride nanorods (CNNRs) and carbon nitride nanotubes (CNNTs), are synthesized via controlled exfoliation and heat treatment. Under a force of 40 N, the CNNT generates approximately ⁓12 V, significantly outperforming both the CNNR (3–4 V) and conventional CNNS (6 V). This remarkable improvement stems from the hollow architecture of the CNNTs, as confirmed by COMSOL simulations. Furthermore, ultraviolet light exposure enhances the device performance by 15%, and the CNNT-based device exhibits a remarkable resistive switching behavior suitable for resistive random access memory applications. When integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, the device demonstrates potential as an advanced sensing system for infant injury detection, showcasing its dual functionality as both an energy harvester and a memory device.