Revealing Pyroelectric Capabilities: Filler-Enhanced PVDF/PbTiO3 Films for Improved Flexibility and Energy Conversion

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Revealing Pyroelectric Capabilities: Filler-Enhanced PVDF/PbTiO3 Films for Improved Flexibility and Energy Conversion

Author : Dr Pranab Mandal

Year : 2025

Publisher : John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Source Title : Polymers for Advanced Technologies

Document Type :

Abstract

Ferroelectric polymers are highly promising electroactive materials, renowned for their exceptional properties that make them ideal for various flexible electronic devices. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a ferroelectric polymer that exhibits β-phase, which can be further enhanced through the addition of fillers. This work reports on investigations of enhanced pyroelectric energy conversion in flexible composite films made from polyvinylidene fluoride and lead titanate (PVDF/PbTiO3) (PVDF/PTO). PVDF/PTO composite films are prepared by the incorporation of PTO to improve the β-phase of PVDF. A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis exhibits that the PVDF/PTO composite film with 5% PTO has a greater β-phase content than films with higher weight percentages (10% and 15% PTO). The pyroelectric current from the PVDF/PTO flexible composite film was measured using the phase-sensitive technique. The measurement revealed a notable figure of merit for pyroelectric energy conversion, reaching 0.282% with 5 wt% of PTO.