Poly (vinylidine fluoride) (PVDF)/Potassium Sodium Niobate (KNN) nanorods based flexible nanocomposite film: Influence of KNN concentration in the performance of nanogenerator

Here we report the development of Potassium Sodium Niobate (KNN) nanorods (NRs) @ Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposite film based flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator where the percentage of KNN nanorods incorporation into PVDF matrix has been varied systematically to observe its direct effect on energy harvesting efficiency. 10% KNN NRs @ PVDF composite film possesses the highest electroactive (beta-crystal) phase (similar to 98%) as compared to other KNN percentage incorporated samples. The dielectric constant (epsilon) value (similar to 23) and the energy density (0.053 J/cm(3) at an electric field of 164 kV/cm) are also found to be higher in the case of 10% KNN NRs @ PVDF composite film as compare to either lower or higher level of KNN percentage used. In addition, non-poled 10% KNN NRs @ PVDF composite film is capable to generate 3.4 open circuit voltage and 0.100 mu A current by applying repeated compressive force into it. The developed nanogenerator shows the current density of 0.025 mu A/cm(2).