Piezoelectric responses of PVDF-KBT electrospun nanocomposite fibres via nanoscale mapping

The piezoelectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and K0·5Bi0·5TiO3 (KBT) electrospun composite nanofibers were studied in view of their application for Piezoelectric generator (PEG) devices. The orientation of the polar β-phase throughout the PVDF/KBT nanofibers was investigated at the nanoscale, revealing a maximum β-phase content of 67%. Remarkably enhanced piezoelectric responses were observed in the PVDF-KBT composite, supported by comprehensive analyses including local hysteresis loops piezoresponse mapping and advanced mapping AFM-based techniques. The PVDF/KBT nanofiber-based PEG demonstrated consistent performance, with an output voltage of 16 V, a current of 0.85 μA/cm2, and a power density of 13.6 μW/cm2 at 107 Ω, showcasing its potential as a sustainable energy solution with the ability to recharge portable electronic devices.