Electromechanical converters

Electromechanical converters, which transform electrical energy into mechanical displacement and vice versa, are crucial in modern and future technologies, from ultrasound imaging to actuators, sensors, and energy harvesters. However, there is an ongoing need for higher performance, device miniaturization, and eco-friendly materials.

Additive manufacturing (direct ink writing) of lead-free piezoelectric materials.

Our research into electromechanical conversion at DTU Energy focuses on the development of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, giant electrostrictors, and piezoelectric thin film materials as potential replacements for traditional lead-based piezoelectrics. We also study related phenomena such as pyroelectricity, ferroelectricity, and antiferroelectricity.

Our research spans from fundamental studies of atomistic interactions to application-oriented material improvements for ultrasound devices, energy harvesters, sonars, acoustic cell sorting, and insulin pumps. Our approach combines cutting-edge experimental techniques such as additive manufacturing and texturing, with advanced modeling to develop efficient, sustainable materials for next-generation technologies. 

Examples of research topics at DTU Energy:

  • Giant electrostrictors for insulin pumps and microfluidic cell sorting
  • Symmetry engineering in functional oxide thin films using pulsed laser deposition and sputtering for emergent piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity. 
  • Ferroionic coupling – combining spontaneous polarization with ionic phenomena to provide wireless electrochemically enhanced catalysis
  • Textured, lead-free piezoelectric ceramics for sonars
  • Porous piezoelectric membranes for biocatalysis
  • Microstructural engineering of lead-free antiferroelectric ceramics for inverters
  • Phase-field modelling of microstructural contributions in piezoelectric ceramics
  • Modelling of geometry effects and additive manufacturing (3D printing) of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with complex shape

Contact

Astri Bjørnetun Haugen

Astri Bjørnetun Haugen Associate Professor Department of Energy Conversion and Storage Mobile: +4521560919