Enhanced piezoelectricity properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) loaded polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite films for nanogenerator application

Flexible and lightweight films of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) loaded with nanosheets of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) have been prepared via solution casting method. The structure of RGO nanosheets have been examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy technique. FTIR studies revealed that the enhancement of beta -phase from 53 to 70% has been observed by adding RGO nanosheets in PVDF matrix. The frequency dependent dielectric constant and dielectric loss have been studied. Ultraviolet-visible spectra show a decrease in optical band gap with increases RGO concentration in nanocomposite films. The ferroelectric behavior of RGO loaded PVDF nanocomposite films showed remarkable improvement in remnant polarization values as compared to bare PVDF. The piezo-response of RGO loaded nanocomposite films showed significant enhancement in output voltage from 0.886 to 1.915 V. On exposure to ultraviolet-visible light, RGO loaded nanocomposite PVDF films showed about 13.8% enhancement in piezo- voltage with action of same pressure.