Intensifying energy density, dielectric and mechanical properties of electroactive β-PVDF/f-BTO nanocomposites

In this paper, we report the enhancement of energy density and consequently energy harvesting efficiency of PVDF/f-BaTiO3 nanocomposite. Synthesis of semicrystalline beta phase PVDF, PVDF-BTO and PVDF-BTOf composites by spin coating method and their characteristics investigations have been reported. The energy storage density of composite with modified structure was largely increased and was found to be 0.242 J/cm(3) at 10 MV/m with 68% energy harvesting efficiency. Maximum dielectric constant was found to be 230 at 1 Hz for PVDF-BTOf composite. Maximum capacitance obtained for PVDF-BTOf composite was 816 mu F. From CV and chronopotentiometry scan investigation, the maximum power density was found to be 59.5 W/kg with specific energy density of 0.082 Wh/kg for PVDF-BTO composite. Tensile strength and young's modulus of PVDF-BTOf composite are found to be 6.37 MPa and 48.7 MPa respectively. These results demonstrate a potential way to enhance the performance of composites for energy harvestor, capacitor etc.