PVDF/graphene composite nanofibers with enhanced piezoelectric performance for development of robust nanogenerators

Graphene reinforced Poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite nanofibers were prepared and their morphology, crystallinity, polymorphism and electrical outputs were investigated for the first time. Nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning technique with different graphene contents. DSC, FTIR and WAXD analyses were used to evaluate the polymorphism of PVDF crystals upon graphene addition. It was observed that addition of a small amount of graphene (0.1%wt) significantly increased the F(beta) and open-circuit voltage of nanofibers. However, further increase in graphene content decreased the electrical output of randomly oriented nanofibers. The developed PVDF/graphene nanogenerator has the ability to fully synchronize the finger movement and its generated electricity can light up a commercial LED for 30 s. This new type of PVDF generator has the potential to be used as a self-charging power source and could be used in powering the personal electronics. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.