Methods for fabrication, manufacture and production of energy harvesting components and devices

A method for forming an energy harvesting element, comprising:

• providing a first functional layer having a facing surface with a first work function value, said first work function value being determined at least in part by selection of a low-work function material for comprising the first functional layer facing surface;
• providing a second functional layer with a facing surface facing the facing surface of the first functional layer, the facing surface of the second functional layer having a second work function value that is greater than the first work function value;
• and
• arranging a dielectric layer in a gap between the first functional layer and the second functional layer,
• a thickness of the gap being in a range of 200 angstroms or less,
• the second work function value being at least 1.0 eV higher than the first work function value, and
• a structure of the energy harvesting element causing the energy harvesting element to generate a useable electric potential by promoting electron migration via quantum tunneling, resulting in an accumulation of electrons migrating from the first functional layer to the second functional layer.