These sensors and plasma technology are key to the structural health monitoring (SHM) system envisaged as a key output of SUSTAINair. Specifically, this method enables a kind of ‘inbuilt circuit’, an SHM system that can be integrated directly into components due its nano-size. This has previously been described in detail by INOCON here on the SUSTAINair blog.
Specifically, linear ZnO nanoparticles with high aspect ratio called nanowires are of great interest not only for piezoelectric sensors in SHM systems but also for energy harvesting, gas sensors, superhydrophobic surfaces, photcatalysis and antibacterial activity. The work behind this article was important preliminary research conducted (in part) by some of the project’s own key technical members of the consortium.
Read and download the paper via Open Access
Full Title: Morphology-controlled atmospheric
pressure plasma synthesis of zinc oxide
nanoparticles for piezoelectric sensors