La1-xSrxCoO3 Perovskite: PVDF Based PENG with Enhanced β-phase Through Self-induced Polling for Green Energy Harvesting

Global demand of sustainable and efficient energy sources continues to rise of research of novel materials and their application in energy harvesting. Sr²⁺ doped Lanthanum Cobaltite (La_1-xSr_xCoO₃) perovskite stands out as a promising candidate due to its unique properties and versatility as piezoelectric material as well as in antimicrobial properties. Piezoelectric Nanogenerators (PENGs), which can produce electrical energy from mechanical energy via ferroelectric effect, are one of the ambient sources of green energy. PENGs have gathered a huge attention due to cost-effectiveness, mechanical stability, and easy installation process. In this work,1synthesized⁺ doped Lanthanum Cobaltite (La_1-xSr_xCoO₃) perovskite, a ferroelectric material, was synthesizes by sol-gel- molten-salt process and then characterized by X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy ensures the uniform morphology of nanoparticles. Further poly (vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF), N,N-dimethylformamide and acetone solution were used to make a flexible composite film using La_1-xSr_xCoO₃ nanoparticles by spin coating, self-induced polling process and curing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigation ensures that self-induced polling process was effective to identify the structural β phase. PVDF/ La_1-xSr_xCoO₃ composite film is then placed in between two copper sheets to fabricate the piezoelectric nanogenerator. The 7.5wt% PENG demonstrates the open-circuit voltage of 2.5V. The peak-to-peak voltage and peak to peak current values were also reported for all different weights, frequencies, and doping range. Finally, the PENG was used as a smart weight sensor and motion sensor to operate low-power electronic devices. Beside this we also observed antimicrobial properties of La_1-xSr_xCoO₃ nanoparticles by the Kirby Bauer testing method, our synthesized La_1-xSr_xCoO₃ nanoparticles showed much better activity against Escherichia coli and two other Bacillus species as well. This work explores La_1-xSr_xCoO₃ nanoparticles potential as antimicrobial properties and piezoelectric nanogenerator for mechanical energy harvesting, contributing to greener and more sustainable energy solutions.