Proof of Concept

Proof-of-Concept Application Form

Test the market potential of your idea and solution

By completing and submitting this Application form, I am applying for the support/services under
the Proof-of-Concept Program that is implemented by the Technology Transfer Facility within the
Innovation Fund (hereinafter: “PoC Program”), for my project entitled:
Non-toxic flexible piezoelectric films for vibration energy harvesting (hereinafter: “Project”),
Project ID number ___5776________ disclosed in the following Application form.

PoC Program tests, develops and advances your scientific idea coming from your research and
commercialize it into a market-worthy product for the appropriate market niche.

IMPORTANT:

• The PoC Application form is a written description of your Project. By entering

correct and complete data in this form you help the Innovation Fund
(hereinafter the “IF”) to properly evaluate your Project.
• Information exchange between you and the Innovation Fund about your Project
is confidential. To avoid any inadvertent public disclosure of your Project please
use an appropriate Confidential Disclosure Agreement to protect discussions
with others.
• A completed PoC Application form should be submitted in electronic form
through the official PoC Portal that can be accessed through the Innovation Fund
webpage or directly via PoC Portal. If you have any questions regarding the
completion of the Application form please contact the Innovation Fund via email
at PoC@inovacionifond.rs.

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PROJECT INFORMATION

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Title of the Project (English): Non-toxic flexible piezoelectric films for vibration energy harvesting
Title of the Project (Serbian): Netoksični fleksibilni piezoelektrični filmovi za prikupljanje energije od
vibracija
Project ID: 5776
Name of the project leader/principal researcher: Mirjana Vijatović Petrović
Project leader’s/principal researcher’s home address: Kragujevacka 8
Project leader’s/principal researcher’s email: miravijat@yahoo.com, mira@imsi.rs
Project leader’s/principal researcher’s mobile phone no.: +381643255722
Employer R&D organization: Institute for multidisciplinary research, University of Belgrade
Industry area: Sensors and microelectronics

All correspondence with, and questions for, the Project team will be addressed to the project
leader/principal researcher.

2. OTHER TEAM MEMBERS

List the research team members that will actively contribute throughout this project. Team members
from other (R&D) organizations could be included in the list. Make sure to include only those
individuals whose input is critical for the project success. Individuals doing routine measurements
and testing and not actively contributing to the project should not be included. External contractors
that will be paid form budget category II. Experimental PoC should not be named as team members.

Team member’s name: Jelena Bobić

Team member’s home address: Gospodska 5, Zemun

Team member’s email: jelenabobic@yahoo.com

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Role in Project: Synthesis of powders, characterization by SEM, AFM

Employer/ R&D organization: Institute for multidisciplinary research, University of Belgrade

Note: In case the team consists of more members insert the table below and fill in the data
Team member’s name: Nikola Ilić

Team member’s home address: Matice srpske 80, Belgrade

Team member’s email: niksentije@gmail.com

Role in Project: Preparation of flexible films, implementation of films into an electrical component

Employer/ R&D organization: Institute for multidisciplinary research, University of Belgrade

Team member’s name: Adis Džunuzović

Team member’s home address: Ljubljanska 13, Belgrade

Team member’s email: adzunuz@hotmail.com

Role in Project: Characterization of flexible films by impedance analysis and ferroelectric test systems

Employer/ R&D organization: Institute for multidisciplinary research, University of Belgrade

3. PROJECT BACKGROUND

Existing Intellectual property in the moment of applying. Tick only if you have a particular right in
place (approved or submitted patent, trademark or other IP right): patent ☐, trademark ☐, design ☐,
copyright ☐, knowhow ☐, database ☐ other
Technology Readiness Level: 1 ☐, 2 x☐, 3 ☐ , 4 ☐ , 5 ☐, 6 ☐ , 7 ☐ , 8 ☐, 9 ☐
Have you published any critical part of this Project (journal, thesis, poster…)? : Yes ☐, No x☐
Sum of the requested amount (Maximum 2,4M RSD): 2,32M RSD

4. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

The abstract should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the objectives of the Project
proposal and how they will be achieved. The abstract will be used as the short description of your

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proposal in the evaluation process and in public communication by the Innovation Fund. It must
therefore be short and precise and should not contain confidential information. It should be written
in both English and Serbian language.
ENGLISH
Energy is available all around us in different forms (e.g. solar power, wind, vibrations, etc.).
The important task of the scientific community is finding the way to use enormous amounts of
vibrations in everyday life as a renewable and safe energy source. The vibration energy harvester
enables powering up low-power portable devices and small autonomous and wireless sensing
systems where conventional power sources (batteries and cables) are simply impossible to use.
The energy harvesters commercially available were mostly lead-based piezoelectric materials
with high toxicity. Accordingly, utilization of lead-free materials will be a very important in order to
harvest safe and harmless energy. The new challenge in electronics is to introduce the flexibility,
which will ensure the mechanical deformation of the material and expand the application of modern
electronic devices in different areas.
In this project, lead-free barium titanate based compounds will be implemented into a
highly flexible polymer matrix by innovative and cost effective hot-pressing method. The eco-
friendly electrical component for energy harvesting will be developed through the testing of
mechanical vibrational output. In order to get higher voltage output, several electrical components
will be connected into variable designs.

SERBIAN
Energija je u različitim oblicima prisutna svuda oko nas (npr. solarna energija, energija
vetara, vibracije, itd.). Pronalaženje načina da se vibracije oko nas koriste kao neiscrpan i bezbedan
izvor energije je važan zadatak naučne zajednice. Uređaji koji prikupljaju energiju vibracija
omogućavaju pokretanje prenosivih uređaja niske snage i malih autonomnih i bežičnih senzorskih
sistema tamo gde je otežano ili onemogućeno korišćenje konvencionalnih izvora energije (baterije i
kablovski sistemi).
Do sada su komercijalno dostupni prikupljači energije uglavnom pravljeni na bazi
piezoelektričnih materijala koji sadrže toksično olovo. Prema tome, za bezbednu energiju koja nema
negativnih dejstava na životnu sredinu, veoma je važno unapređivanje bezolovnih piezoelektrika. Još

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jedan izazov u elektronici je razvijanje mehaničke fleksibilnosti koja bi omogućila deformacije

materijala i proširila opseg primene modernih elektronskih uređaja u različitim oblastima.
U ovom projektu, bezolovni materijali na bazi barijum-titanata će biti implementirani u
visoko fleksibilnu polimernu matricu inovativnom i ekonomski isplativom metodom vrućeg
presovanja. Netoksična električna komponenta za prikupljanje energije će biti optimizovana
testiranjem električnog odziva na mehaničke vibracije. U cilju dobijanja što većeg izlaznog napona,
planira se serijsko i redno povezivanje više električnih komponenata u finalni dizajn sakljupljaca
energije.

5. POC PROJECT PROPOSAL (maximum 700 words)

This section outlines, in brief, the potential of the proposed innovative idea. It will be used as an
assessment criterion. It should contain:
• Description of the innovative concept – short description of the proposed action describing
the innovation and what the expected deliverables are.
• Potential of the innovation if the concept is proven – how will the proof of concept be used to
create a product.
Typical applications that could benefit from vibration energy harvesting is that many
sensors, alarms, lights and other small devices can be driven energetically completely
independently. Thus, the sensor or other measurement instruments can be placed in locations at
which traditional power sources (batteries and cables) are too expensive, unreliable or impossible to
use. Dependence on external electricity sources such as batteries will be highly reduced as well as
total energy consumption. Vibrations can be mainly harvested by two different
technologies: Electromagnetic induction and through piezoelectronics. The advantage of the
piezoelectric mechanism to the other conversion mechanisms lies in its high energy density and
scalability across a wide range of dimensions. Till now, lead based materials have shown the best
piezoelectric performance, finding many commercial applications. However, the family of lead-
based materials is now facing the challenge for its environmental incompatibility, since it contains
the lead as a toxic heavy-metal. Most of all, recent global restrictions are demanding the removal of
lead from all consumer items, which has stimulated urgent solicitation for a lead-free substitutes
that can have piezoelectric properties comparable to the ones obtained from the lead-containing
materials. During our previous investigations on polycrystalline barium titanate based materials, in
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specific compositions-BaSn0.12Ti0.88O3-Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3, corresponding to the morphotropic phase

boundary regions, have shown to be among lead-free piezoelectrics with one of the highest d33
coefficients (d33= 530 pC/N). Crucial conclusion taken from this research is that this kind of materials
is quite versatile and their functional properties are sensitive on both, microscopic and chemical
modifications. However, the main problem of ceramic harvesters is its inherent fragility, but
polymer-based composites provide the advantages of being flexible, versatile, lightweight, low cost,
and able to conform to complicated shapes and to be placed at different surfaces and locations.
This research will be focused on the preparation of flexible composite films, combining a
highly flexible polymer matrix polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with BaSn0.12Ti0.88O3-Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3
functional components. Since PVDF has a low electromechanical coupling relative to perovskites,
manifested in moderate piezoelectric coefficient of its piezoelectric phases (d33 = 13-28 pC/N), the
main aim of this project is coupling the properties of selected lead-free piezoelectric perovskites
with flexibility of PVDF matrix.
Flexible composites are usually prepared by solvent casting method or molding, but a more
innovative way of flexible films preparation was developed in our laboratory by designing a set up
for hot pressing of PVDF/ BaSn0.12Ti0.88O3-Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 composite films. The novel concept of making
flexible composites for energy harvesting by hot-pressing has attracted significant interest of the
science community and electrical engineers since the process is facile and cost-effective.
Testing of obtained flexible energy harvesters will be performed by stretching, bending and
fatigue tests. The development of electrical components for energy harvesting will be performed by
measuring the mechanical vibrational output of electrically biased piezoelectric generator. To obtain
the higher voltage output, based on consumer needs, several electrical components will be
arranged in variable designs e.g. as an array or in layered sandwich-like energy harvester unit.
Energy harvesting component will be integrated in the Kapton flexible cover which is an insulation
and protection layer.

6. MAIN BENEFITS (up to 400 words)

This section outlines the main benefits for the society and/or economy of the proposed action. In
addition, it should clearly state the main features of the proposed innovation.
Different types of mechanical energy can be harvested from the surrounding environment

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such as bending, pushing, acoustic waves, wind and human activities. The trend today is to use
surfaces of buildings, roads, soccer fields, train stations, school corridors as green areas, for energy
production or for some other useful purpose. To the best of our knowledge, on the industry side
several startup companies demonstrated pilot projects for energy generating roadways using lead-
zirconium titanate piezoelectric modules.
Thus far, the most superior piezoelectric generators are produced from lead based
materials. However, European Union regulations from 2003 introduced the necessity for the
reduction of lead and other toxic elements from the commercial products. Therefore, the quest for
the lead-free materials that have at least as good piezoelectric properties as a lead based system has
begun in order to improve accessibility and eco-compatibility.
The main feature of proposed innovation is that selected non-toxic specific compositions-
BaSn0.12Ti0.88O3- Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 has a potential to be the best choice for getting the electrical output,
which ranges from mili to micro watts, for powering up the wireless sensing systems in distant
locations in order to replace batteries or installation of cables. Besides efforts to replace lead-based
materials in electronic devices, another main task is getting the flexible energy harvester in order to
withstand the mechanical deformations. This kind of flexible energy generators has a possibility to
be applied to curved surfaces and distant locations.
Implementation of new and innovative way of flexible films preparation by hot pressing
which is facile and cost-effective will have a great impact from economical point of view. This will be
a step forward for the modern type of energy production without negative effect on human health.
Energy harvesting can offer a sustainable (both economically and environmentally) power source for
most wireless sensors on the market today. Most likely, it will give the opportunity for data
availability for various Internet of Thing applications.
The support of young researcher groups will potentially result in important achievements in
their development, career and employment options (social benefits). Positive societal impacts will
also result by spreading knowledge, tools and excellence towards developing European countries.

7. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (700 words + activity table)

This section describes the plan of implementation of the PoC grant, its main results and relevant risks.
Activity table lists the particular activity, its duration and the period of implementation. Activities
should be listed in the order of implementation starting from the first activity. Each activity must be

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described and any interrelation between the activities has to be noted in the description (e.g. activity
1 must be finalized before activity 2 starts, etc.).
The work plan of the project can be presented in the form of nine main tasks given in the
table below. The first task will be the examination of patent documentation of already existing
products and product definition as well as strategy of activity plan implementation with a mentor.
The procurement of necessary chemicals and small equipment will also be performed at the
beginning of the project. Further tasks will be connected with laboratory work. As a first step in the
processing of flexible films, the solid state synthesis of the solid solutions, BaSn0.12Ti0.88O3-
Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 at the morphotropic phase boundary will be performed. Research activities of the
team has been already oriented to processing of BT based materials which may guarantee
continuance of this segment of the project without any risk. Synthesized powders will be pressed
into pellets and sintered at appropriate temperature according to prepared composition. After the
process of sintering, ceramic powders will be obtained through the crushing and annealing of pellets
in order to release the residual stress from the material.
Following task of the project is implementation of obtained ceramic powders into a polymer matrix
of PVDF by innovative hot-pressing method using a custom built set-up. This phase of the project is
already optimized by members of the team so possible risks are reduced to a minimum.
In the next stage of the project, structural studies and electrical characterization of obtained
powders and flexible composite films will be carried out. After the processing part, it is necessary to
examine the structure of obtained films as well as dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric
properties and, finally, mechanical characteristics. When flexible films with appropriate properties
are obtained, they will be shaped in the suitable form and electrical component will be assembled
by attaching copper electrodes on the surface of the films and wires as an electrical contact with
measurement unit. With the purpose for obtaining the best piezoresponse by mechanical vibrations,
flexible films will be poled in the silicon bath at 120oC at an applied field of 1-5 kV/mm. This part of
the project depends on the funds obtained by the PoC due to necessity to purchase a high voltage
source important for the process of poling before the final test.
Energy harvesting component will be integrated in the Kapton tape flexible cover which is an
insulation and protection layer on electrostatic sensitive and fragile components of the harvester.
Final task has a goal to examine obtained the materials ability to gain voltage when exposed to
vibrations. If only one film does not give voltage output that is high enough, then several flexible

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films will be arranged in an array or attached to form sandwich-like energy harvester layered unit.
At the finalization of the project, the team will be focused on translating laboratory results towards
the market-driven context and thereby mentor will help the team to formulate viable
commercialization strategy.
No. Activity
1 Examination of patent
documentation with
mentor
2 Procurement of necessary
equipment for upcoming
activities
3 Synthesis of powders
4 Ceramics processing
5 Making of flexible
composites by hot-
pressing method
6 Structural and functional
characterization of
powders and flexible films
7 Construction of
piezogenerator prototype
for energy harvesting
8 Final vibrational test of
piezogenerator
Proof of Concept
Description of the activity Duration
From - to
Examination of patent documentation 15.9.-
of already existing products and 1.10.2020.
product definition as well as
implementation of activity plan.
Procurement of high voltage source for 15.9.-15.10.2020.
poling of piezomaterials and necessary
chemicals.
Synthesis of barium titanate doped 1.10.-1.12.2020.
with BaSn0.12Ti0.88O3- Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 by
a solid state reaction route.
Preparation of solid solutions at
"morphotropic phase boundary" with
high piezoresponce
Processing of ceramics by sintering. 15.10.-
Milling into powders to improve 31.12.2020.
piezoresponse and annealing to
eliminate residual stress.
Implementation of ceramic powders 15.10.-
into polymer matrix using innovative 31.12.2020.
hot-pressing method.
Characterization of powders and 1.11.2020.-
composite samples (XRD, SEM, AFM, 1.4.2021.
impedance, elastic, piezoelectric,
ferroelectric measurements)
Shaping of the flexible films, mounting 1.1.2021.-
appropriate contacts and poling of the 1.4.2021.
films. Implementation of the
component into a polyimide insulation
cover.
Before the activity 7 starts the activity 1.4.-15.8.2021.
2 has to be finalized.
The vibrational test for determination
of voltage output of electrically poled
piezogenerator and assembly.
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9 Mentoring-Invention Focusing efforts of the team in 15.8.-

disclosure with translating lab results towards the 14.9.2021.
preliminary market market-driven context and thereby
assessment helping the team to formulate viable
commercialization strategy.

8. PROJECT BUDGET

This section provides the Project’s budget divided in already predefined categories and should include
the exact amounts per category as the PoC budget (excel form).
Maximum allowed budget is RSD 2.4 million including VAT. Most of the budget categories contain
limits to maximum amounts that can be used for these categories. These limits must be complied
with, as higher amount than the specified maximum will not be accepted. Each particular cost in the
budget table must be related to one or more activities from the activity table. No indirect costs are
allowed.

Costs Activity nr. Cost, RSD

Personnel costs (up to RSD 600,000.00) 1 1-9 570.000
Experimental PoC including consumables, 2, 7, 8 1.010.000
equipment/facilities rental or external experts (up to
1.2M RSD)
Travel, local and international (up to RSD 240,000.00) 6, 8 100.000
Legal services (up to RSD 240,000.00) 9 120.000
Business adviser (up to RSD 480,000.00) 1, 9 400.000

Other direct costs (up to RSD 120,000.00) At the end of 120.000

the project
Total (RSD) 2.320.000

9. CVs OF KEY CONTRIBUTORS

CVs of the project leader/principal researcher, as well as short CVs of up to 5 team members, should
outline the experience relevant to the proposed Project and be submitted on PoC Portal next to the
Proof of Concept Application Form and Project budget.

1
Maximum amount per man-month (full time) cannot exceed gross RSD 120,000.00

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