Ferroelectric polymer-ceramic composite thick films for energy storage applications

We have successfully fabricated large area free standing polyvinylidene fluoride -Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O-3 (PVDF-PZT) ferroelectric polymer-ceramic composite (wt% 80-20, respectively) thick films with an average diameter (d) similar to 0.1 meter and thickness (t) similar to 50 mu m. Inclusion of PZT in PVDF matrix significantly enhanced dielectric constant (from 10 to 25 at 5 kHz) and energy storage capacity (from 11 to 14 J/cm(3), using polarization loops), respectively, and almost similar leakage current and mechanical strength. Microstructural analysis revealed the presence of alpha and beta crystalline phases and homogeneous distribution of PZT crystals in PVDF matrix. It was also found that apart from the microcrystals, well defined naturally developed PZT nanocrystals were embedded in PVDF matrix. The observed energy density indicates immense potential in PVDF-PZT composites for possible applications as green energy and power density electronic elements. (C) 2014 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.