Enhanced Energy Harvesting Using Flexible PVDF/ZnO Nanosheet Composites for Piezoelectric Generator Applications
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study explores the piezoelectric properties of composite nanofilms composed of zinc oxide (ZnO) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for application in piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs). By combining the high piezoelectric coefficient of ZnO with the mechanical flexibility and ferroelectric β-phase of PVDF, the composite aims to enhance mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency. The theoretical foundation is based on the piezoelectric behavior of ZnO’s non-centrosymmetric wurtzite crystal structure and the dipole alignment in PVDF. ZnO nanosheets were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and integrated into a PVDF matrix using spin coating to form dense, uniform composite films. Structural and morphological characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while nanoscale piezoelectric performance was assessed through piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). Under a mechanical load of 0.5 MPa at 1 Hz, the PVDF/ZnO-based PENG exhibited a peak output voltage of 10.5 V and a current density of 1.1 μA/cm², demonstrating stable and enhanced performance. These improvements are attributed to strong interfacial coupling and effective dipole orientation within the composite. This work presents a simple and scalable fabrication approach for high-performance, flexible PENGs, contributing to the development of compact, sustainable energy harvesting systems suitable for powering wearable electronics and other low-power devices.
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