Self-powered ignition system based on ZnO@PVDF nanogenerator

Traditional power supply systems based on batteries, as ineffective payloads, significantly hinder the development of ignition systems. To eliminate the dependence on batteries, we developed a self-powered ignition system utilizing a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) based on ZnO-doped polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers with high β-phase content. When subjected to external mechanical stimulation, the output voltage of the PENG reaches 32 V, which can charge a 22 μF capacitor to 15 V within 200 s and then simultaneously light up five LEDs. A self-powered ignition circuit composed of subsystems for power harvesting, storage, and discharge is assembled to activate igniters such as Ni-Cr wire, Ni-Cr film, standard semiconductor bridge (SCB), high-resistance SCB and small-sized SCB. The energy conversion processes of the igniters, whether via electric explosion or electrothermal manner, complete within 2 μs to 0.5 ms and then successfully ignite nanothermites of Al/CuO, primary explosives of lead styphnate, or mixtures of potassium chlorate and lead thiocyanate. Subsequently, a pressed B/KNO 3 (BPN) pellet, either in contact with or separate from the igniter by up to 3.3 mm, can be successfully ignited, fulfilling the ignition and transmission functions of ignition trains. These results demonstrate that the self-powered ignition system can work reliably without batteries, which is conducive to the miniaturization and intelligence of initiators and pyrotechnic devices.