Applications of Semiconducting Electrides in Mechanical Energy Conversion and Piezoelectric Systems

Semiconducting electrodes materials in which electrons occupy interstitial lattice positions have attracted growing attention for their unique electronic structures and potential in advanced energy applications. This paper explores the novel application of semiconducting electrides in mechanical energy conversion and piezoelectric systems. Unlike conventional piezoelectric materials, electrides offer tunable electronic properties, high carrier mobility, and strong electromechanical coupling due to the mobility of their interstitial electrons. Through theoretical analysis and computational modeling, we investigate how strain-induced electron redistribution in layered electrides can produce significant voltage output, making them viable for use in nanogenerators and flexible energy-harvesting devices. Our results suggest that certain electrides, such as Ca₂N and Y₂C, exhibit electromechanical responses that rival or surpass traditional materials like ZnO and PVDF, especially under low-strain conditions. This study lays the groundwork for integrating electrides into next-generation piezoelectric systems and highlights their potential as efficient, lightweight, and scalable alternatives for sustainable energy technologies.