Electrospun PVDF-based composite nanofabrics: An emerging trend toward energy harvesting

Abstract

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) has gained attention in energy-related applications, due to its ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties. PVDF is a semicrystalline fluoropolymer having different phase domains based on its chain conformations. The polar domains contribute to its ferroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics. Electrospinning is a facile nanofabrication technique used to produce ultrafine fibers that self-integrates into functional webs/nanofabrics. This chapter emphasizes the electrospinning/filler route to tune the electroactive properties of PVDF-based composite nanofabrics and their applicabilities toward energy-related systems. The influence of various fillers/additives on the structure, morphology, and electroactive response of PVDF composite nanofabrics, including their incorporation into energy-related systems, is described in detail. Understanding the interplay between the filler and PVDF matrix coupled with electrospinning could contribute toward the fabrication of scalable and practical energy systems. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.