Intrinsic piezoelectric characterization of BiFeO3 nanofibers and its implications for energy harvesting

•Piezoelectric constant of BiFeO3 nanofibers has been measured at the nanoscale.•Epitaxy, vacancies and other nanoscale effects modify the piezoelectric properties.•Insights on the conversion of mechanical vibrations to electricity in 1D materials.•Use of 1D materials for self-powered electronics and piezoelectrochemistry.