Integrating PVDF-based piezoelectric nanogenerators with highly conductive carbon nanofibers for energy-harvesting applications

초록

Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) are gaining popularity in wearable electronics, self-powered devices, and pressure sensors for detecting acoustic, air, and water waves. In this study, electrospun polyacrylonitrile-derived carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were combined with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers for PENG applications. Incorporating highly conductive CNFs into the system and applying an electric field during electrospinning increased the electroactive beta-phase content of PVDF to 93.2 %, as confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. CNF inclusion also caused 9.6- and 3.2-fold increments in the power density and piezopotential of PENG. The fabricated PENGs show stable performance over 12,000 cycles of continuous tapping with a force of 20 N at a frequency of 5 Hz. Besides showing promising potential in functional sensing and self-powered devices, the mechanically resilient systems reported in this study can harness energy from biomechanical movements and ultrasonic wave pressure, thereby exhibiting their applicability in healthcare monitoring devices and sensors.

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