Piezoelectric Properties of Biopolymers

Abstract

Biopolymers with piezoelectric properties are widely attractive nowadays owing to their direct and indirect effects of piezoelectric behavior in addition to biocompatibility and biodegradability. Although a wide range of polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride, are used to enhance the power generation, conversion efficiency, and storage capacity of different piezoelectric devices, biocompatibility is the significant property when bio-nanogenerators are considered. Biopolymers are notable for their wide availability, ease of handling and biodegradability, however durability and poor mechanical strength are some of the challenges associated with them. This chapter briefly illustrates the recent advances in developing biopolymer nanocomposites for piezoelectric applications and the influence of different nanomaterials in regulating the piezoelectric properties of biopolymers.