Polarity Controlled Electrospun P(VDF-TrFE) Nanofiber Membrane for Developing High Performing Energy Harvesting Device

Electrospinning is a well-known, simple, and versatile technique for producing nanofiber membranes. In the process of fabricating nanofiber membranes through electrospinning, the characteristics of the membrane varies depending on the solvents used to dissolve the solute. In this study, we investigate the influence of the solvents on the performance of electrospun ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) based energy harvesting devices, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and triboelectric nanogenerators (NGs). The P(VDF-TrFE) nanofiber membranes are prepared using various solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), methylethyl ketone (MEK), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Nanofiber P(VDF-TrFE) prepared using high dipole moment solvent corresponds to have improved piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and triboelectric output properties. This approach of using high polarity solvent is potentially applicable for developing high output wearable, implantable NGs based self-powered system and mechanical/thermal sensor.