Harvesting magneto-acoustic waves using magnetic two-dimensional chromium telluride (CrTe3)

A vast majority of electrical devices have integrated magnetic units, which generate constant magnetic fields with noticeable vibrations. The majority of existing nanogenerators acquire energy through friction/mechanical forces and most of these instances overlook acoustic vibrations and magnetic fields. Magnetic two-dimensional (2D) tellurides present a wide range of possibilities for devising a potential flexible energy harvester. We have synthesized two-dimensional chromium telluride (2D CrTe3) which exhibits ferromagnetic (FM) nature with a Tc of 224 K. The structure exhibits stable high remnant magnetization, making 2D CrTe3 flakes a potential material for harvesting of magneto-acoustic waves at room temperature. A magneto-acoustic nanogenerator (MANG) was fabricated composing of 2D CrTe3 dispersed in a polymer matrix. Basic mechanical stability and sensitivity of the device with change in load conditions were tested. A high surface charge density of 2.919 mC m-2 was obtained for the device. The thermal strain created in the lattice structure was examined using in-situ Raman spectroscopic measurements. The magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) responsible for long-range FM ordering was calculated with the help of theoretical modelling. The theoretical calculations also showed opening of electronic bandgap which enhances the flexoelectric effects. The MANG can be a potential energy harvester to synergistically tap into the magneto-acoustic vibrations generated from the frequency changes of a vibrating device such as loudspeakers.