Synthesis of PVDF-graphene nanocomposites and their properties

This study describes the effect of adding reduced graphene oxide (RGO) on the micro-structure, electric field-induced strain, and ferroelectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Nanocomposite film was prepared by simple solution casting of the PVDF/graphene oxide (GO) solution. PVDF/RGO film was produced by in situ thermal reduction of the PVDF/GO film. The effects of GO and RGO on the characteristics of PVDF were examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurements. The electric field-induced strain was markedly enhanced up to S-max/E-max = 16.66 pm/V for 0.3 wt% GO loading. The dielectric constant increased from 16 to 69 at 1 kHz. The polarization-electric field loop exhibited enhanced remnant polarization from 0.8 to 2.5 mu C/cm(2). Therefore, the PVDF/graphene nanocomposite has adjustable piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties to be used for energy harvesting. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.