Energy Harvesting using Few-Layer 2D Galena (galenene)

Radiofrequency (RF) energy harvesting using 2D materials is receiving increased attention. In this work, we have demonstrated RF energy harvesting using 2D galena (galenene). Galenene was obtained from liquid exfoliation of bulk galena crystals (PbS), which is one of the naturally abundant metal chalcogenides, the primary ore of lead. Several characterization analyses, such as X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS, were carried out to determine the physicochemical properties of the 2D galena structures. A galenene-based Schottky diode was fabricated, and the energy harvesting was demonstrated using a handheld radio transceiver with a carrier frequency of 140–170 MHz. The device extracts RF energy and produces an output DC voltage of a maximum of 1.8 volts and a corresponding output power of 38 mW at 150 MHz, and lights up an LED within a range of 100 cm. At 150 MHz, the device’s power conversion efficiency was found to be 19%. DFT simulations were used to gain further insight into the galenene RF energy harvesting mechanism and support the experimental interpretations [1].<br/><br/>[1] R. Khartik, A. K. Singh, P. R. Sreeram, P. L. Mahapatra, D. S. Galvao, and C. S. Tiwary, Nanoscale 2023, 15, 9022.