Understanding the piezoelectricity mechanism is crucial for developing new materials for better performance. Here, we developed a nanogenerator based on the ZnO thin films having various TC(002) values. The output current well correlated to the magnitude of (002) texture coefficient (TC(002)). Additionally, the TC(002)-dependent photovoltaic and rectification properties are observed. When the film is subjected to persistent compression, the photovoltaic, rectification, and piezoelectric properties fade away. Based on our observation that the ZnO polar structure always shows a spontaneous electron field (SEF), we thus propose a new piezoelectricity mechanism. The [001]-orientated ZnO thin film with the SEF is equivalent to a capacitor, the compression functions as a discharging process, and the removal of the external stress serves as a charging process. The physical mechanism provides an insight into various energy conversion processes that will inspire advanced designs of high-performance nanogenerators, solar cells, and other optoelectronic devices.
Keywords: ZnO thin film; [001] orientation; photovoltaic and rectification performances; piezoelectric nanogenerator; piezoelectricity mechanism; polar structure.