Multifaceted PVDF nanofibers in energy, water and sensors: A contemporary review (2018 to 2022) and future perspective

A greater interest has been observed in polymeric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers, emphasizing applications in the fields of energy generation (nanogenerators), water treatment (ultra-thin filtration membranes) and sensing technologies (wearable electronics). Coupled with intrinsic property traits such as flexible syntheses and wide-ranged dynamic versatility in user applications, research in polymeric material has intensified over the past decade. In the literature, it was observed that the enhancement of the 0-phase in PVDF crystals and fibers subsequently improved its electromechanical property. The advent of electrospinning technology provided effective control over the tuning of the 0-phase. Thus, enabling functional integration and implementation into a wide variety of applications, particularly in the aforementioned fields. Other significant applications of PVDF nanofibers include real-time health diagnostics, monitoring and self-powered bio-implants. This review aims to provide a commentary from a materials chemistry perspective with a focus on engineering the PVDF material into a suitable crystalline phase. Subsequently, its multifaceted utilization in a renewable and sustainable format in potential applications is discussed.

Automated summary

In the past decade, there has been a growing interest in polymeric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers, particularly in the fields of energy generation (nanogenerators), water treatment (ultra-thin filtration membranes), and sensing technologies (wearable electronics). The enhancement of the 0-phase in PVDF crystals and fibers has been found to improve their electromechanical property, facilitated by the advent of electrospinning technology. PVDF nanofibers also find significant applications in real-time health diagnostics, monitoring, and self-powered bio-implants. This review focuses on the engineering of PVDF material into a suitable crystalline phase and discusses its multifaceted utilization in renewable and sustainable applications.