Nanoscale fracture and strain-induced structure variation of ZnO nanocones are determined using in situ transmission electron microscopy compression experiments. For the single-crystalline nanocones with diameters of 100-300 nm, the Young's modulus is in the range of 7.7-48 GPa and the ultimate tensile strength is in the range of 2.4-4.3%. The Young's modulus and tensile strength increase with decreasing diameter. Here, we report the nanogenerator of ZnO nanocones can be used mechanical energy to output 90 nW/mm(2). (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.