Flexible, Hybrid Piezoelectric Film (BaTi_(1–x)Zr_xO₃)/PVDF Nanogenerator as a Self-Powered Fluid Velocity Sensor

Abstract

We demonstrate a flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) constructed using a hybrid (or composite) film composed of highly crystalline BaTi(1-x)Zr(x)O3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) nanocubes (abbreviated as BTZO) synthesized using a molten-salt process embedded into a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix solution via ultrasonication. The potential of a BTZO/PVDF hybrid film is realized in fabricating eco-friendly devices, active sensors, and flexible nanogenerators to interpret its functionality. Our strategy is based on the incorporation of various Zr(4+) doping ratios into the Ti(4+) site of BaTiO3 nanocubes to enhance the performance of the PNG. The flexible nanogenerator (BTZO/PVDF) exhibits a high electrical output up to ∼11.9 V and ∼1.35 μA compared to the nanogenerator (BTO/PVDF) output of 7.99 V and 1.01 μA upon the application of cyclic pushing-releasing frequencies with a constant load (11 N). We also demonstrate another exciting application of the PNG as a self-powered sensor to measure different water velocities at an outlet pipe. The average maximum peak power of the PNG varies from 0.2 to 15.8 nW for water velocities ranging from 31.43 to 125.7 m/s during the water ON condition. This study shows the compositional dependence approach, fabrication of nanostructures for energy harvesting, and self-powered devices in the field of monitoring for remote area applications.

Role of Cationic Oxidation States to Enhance the Electroactive β‐Phase of Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) and its Energy Harvesting Performance

“…As this FF‐CNG has a planar structure, its output power is mainly depending on the device active area (A≈a 2 ; where a=2.5 cm), load resistance (R L ) and the voltage drop (V L ). Then, the instantaneous power density was calculated by Equation :, …”

High‐Performance Piezoelectric Nanogenerators with Imprinted P(VDF‐TrFE)/BaTiO3 Nanocomposite Micropillars for Self‐Powered Flexible Sensors

“…The hybridization of composites of high piezoelectric inorganic fillers and high flexibility polymer matrix has been widely adopted to impart flexibility and robustness with good performance. In this respect, there have been several reports of nanocomposite nanogenerators based on PVDF, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane as the flexible matrix and piezoelectric micro/nanostructures, such as BaTiO 3 nanoparticles (NPs), NaNbO 3 nanowires, Na 0.47 K 0.47 Li 0.06 NbO 3 (NKLN) microcubes, and porous cellulose nanofibril (CNFs) as piezoelectric fillers. Among them, BaTiO 3 as a lead‐free material with high piezoelectric coefficient has been widely used to realize nanocomposite nanogenerator.…”

Durable, efficient, and flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator from electrospun PANi/HNT/PVDF blend nanocomposite

“…Conventional battery‐based systems have several drawbacks such as frequent battery replacement, being expensive and environmentally non‐compatible . Piezoelectric nanogenerators are unaffected by ambient conditions, and are ecofriendly and self‐powered systems .…”