Piezoelectric Properties of Three Types of PVDF and ZnO Nanofibrous Composites

Abstract

Piezoelectric materials are highly desirable for wearable electronics and energy harvesting. Piezoelectric PVDF/ZnO composite nanofibers are particularly desirable for their nontoxicity, breathability, and flexibility. Here, we investigated three methods of fabricating PVDF and ZnO composite nanofibers aimed at optimum piezoelectric responses. It was found, (1) adding ZnO nanorod as fillers within the PVDF nanofiber did not improve piezoelectric response due to the fact that the process made the material more dielectric; (2) ZnO nanorods on the PVDF surface increased the power output due to the combined effects of piezoelectricity of ZnO nanorods as well as the triboelectric response of the increased surface roughness; (3) electrospraying pre-synthesized ZnO nanorods on PVDF nanofibers resulted in the highest piezoelectric response due to the combined effect of the greater piezoelectricity of aligned ZnO nanorods and PVDF nanofibers, and larger triboelectric response from increased surface roughness.