Dynamic PECT Effect for Nanotransducers and Hybrid Devices

Recent advances in nanotechnology have opened the door to the use of hybrid devices in integrated system-on-a-chip. The Piezo Electrochemical Transducer (PECT) effect device uses nano-dimensioned graphite fibers, where the PECT effect can be effectively used to control current and voltage levels. The PECT effect, discovered (in early 1980´s) and named by co-author F. L. Vogel, uses graphite fiber intercalated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to shrink parallel to the graphite planes (basal plane), whereas the reverse PECT effect causes the graphite fiber to expand. The reverse PECT effect appears by reversing the direction of the electrolysis current. This paper explores the physical properties of PECT and its applications to developing novel solid-state hybrid devices, including new kinds of transducers and transistors based on graphite that will have a significant impact on future bio-inspired integrated circuits and nano-technology.