Enhancing the piezoelectric performance of composite PVDF flexible films through optimizing β phase content, investigating additive effects, step-wise polarization, and thermal pressing time for energy harvesting applications

Abstract

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), known for its piezoelectric versatility, emerges as a key contender for advancing efficient and sustainable energy harvesting in nanogenerators. This study explores the potential enhancement of piezoelectric properties in flexible PVDF polymers, employing a comprehensive approach through the solution casting method. The investigation integrates diverse additives, thermal treatments, and polarization methods to optimize performance, focusing on the impact of the β phase transition on electrical voltage generation. Utilizing the Taguchi experimental design, the study identifies optimal conditions for the composite PVDF film (OPT-PVDF) through FT-IR, XRD, and DSC analyses, with output voltage measurements confirming superior performance compared to pure PVDF (P-PVDF). Specifically, BN-doped PVDF films, with an 80% β phase content, achieve an impressive 6.48 V output voltage. This research underscores PVDF's potential for energy harvesting, emphasizing the pivotal role of optimizing β phase content, additive strategies, and the effects of polarization and thermal treatments. The study further evaluates the effect and necessity of subsequent thermal treatment and step-wise polarization effects on the composite PVDF film material. The findings indicate that BN-doped composite PVDF films, produced under optimal conditions, exhibit advanced piezoelectric properties.