Size effect on nanomechanical properties of ZnO cones using in situ transmission electron microscopy

Nanoscale fracture and strain-induced structure variation of ZnO nanocones are determined using in situ transmission electron microscopy compression experiments. For the single-crystalline nanocones with diameters of 100–300 nm, the Youngʹs modulus is in the range of 7.7–48 GPa and the ultimate tensile strength is in the range of 2.4–4.3%. The Youngʹs modulus and tensile strength increase with decreasing diameter. Here, we report the nanogenerator of ZnO nanocones can be used mechanical energy to output 90 nW/mm2.