We report on the direct observation of ferroelectric switching and piezoelectric behaviour in ultrathin polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films prepared by horizontal Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) technique. We have prepared pure β-phase by just increasing the number of LS layers without using additional non-ferroelectric assisting agents. Edge-on oriented CH2-CF2 units of PVDF at the air-water interface enable self-orientation of ferroelectric dipoles by means of the hydrogen bonding network. Such restricted conformation of PVDF at the air-water interface results in an increased net dipole moment with the number of LS layers. The film's ferroelectric switching and piezoelectric sensitivity are demonstrated by hysteretic polarization switching loops and butterfly-loops, respectively. Successful circular domain writing on ultrathin LS film, down to 5 monolayers of PVDF, is demonstrated. The achievement of pure β-phase of PVDF at room temperature without using any assisting agents may be promising for non-volatile memory and piezoelectric-based, ultrathin smart sensor devices.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted a large amount of attention due to their unique optoelectronic properties, which arise from the quantum confinement effect or edge effect or surface functionalization. Popular routes for designing GQDs are based on the reactions in aqueous phases, which are detrimental for integration of GQDs into optoelectronic devices. Hence, a critical challenge remains in utilizing the water-soluble GQDs for fabricating optoelectronic devices. Here we demonstrate for the first time a single step facile route to extract water-soluble GQDs into solid powder under reduced pressure for the fabrication of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The process avoids the need for post synthesis ex situ functionalization or the use of additional polymers to make GQDs hydrophobic retaining the intrinsic luminescent behavior of GQDs. The measured current-voltage characteristics of GQD-LED devices showed a significantly low turn-on voltage of $2.5 V. Bias dependent electroluminescence leading to color tunability from blue to deep cyan is demonstrated.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) is commonly observed in irregular bulk form. Herein, unique aggregation properties of an AIE-active complex into branched supramolecular wires are reported for the first time. Mono-cyclometalated Ir(III) complex shows in-plane J-aggregation at the air-water interface owing to the restriction of intramolecular vibration of bidentate phenylpyridinato and intramolecular rotations of monodentate triphenylphosphine ligands at air-water interface. As a consequence, a large enhancement of luminescence comparable to the solid state is obtained from the monolayers of supramolecular wires. This unique feature is utilized for the fabrication of light-emitting diodes with low threshold voltage using supramolecular wires as active layer. This study opens up the need of ordered assembly of AIE complexes to achieve optimal luminescence characteristics.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are in the center of alternative energy scavenger technologies because of numerous possible applications in remote energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. Although there exists a large number of triboelectric negative polymers, the choice of triboelectric positive polymers is indeed limited. Here we report for the first time the use of thermoplastic starch (TPS) as a triboelectric positive material for designing TENGs. Our bioplastic-based highly durable TENG (b-TENG) can generate open-circuit peak-topeak output voltage of ∼560 V with output current density of ∼120 mA m −2 and instantaneous output power density of 17 W m −2 . We demonstrate b-TENG as a portable power source by powering more than 100 commercial blue LEDs, LED strips, and seven segment LCD screens. Additionally, the b-TENG can be used as a self-powered pedometer for step counter, a speedometer for human walking and running, and a human gait analysis sensor to assess physical activity breeding its futuristic biomedical applications for healthcare purposes. The introduction of ecofriendly bioplastic TPS as a triboelectric positive component has great potential for biomedical applications because of the abundance, biodegradability, low cost, and ease in fabrication process.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are smart alternative energy harvesters to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy to power small and portable electronic devices. A key challenge in fabricating an efficient TENG lies in the choice of an active material in addition to the mechanical stability and robust output performance of the device. This report suggests, for the first time, the use of a peritoneum membrane as a triboelectrically positive material for designing TENGs. The peritoneum covers the abdominal wall and diaphragm of mammals except for the kidneys and the adrenal glands and consists of a structure of a well-defined network of elastic fibers. Our peritoneum-based TENG (p-TENG) can generate an open-circuit output voltage of ∼550 V, output current density of ∼100 mA m–2, and instantaneous output power density of 9.4 Wm–2. This work demonstrates the p-TENG as a portable power source, a self-powered pedometer, and a speedometer, which conveys its futuristic applications for health care purposes. Our p-TENG is highly stable, delivering a constant output voltage of ∼550 V over a period of 90 days. The introduction of a biowaste peritoneum membrane as a triboelectrically positive component in the TENG has great potential as a portable alternative energy source owing to its abundance, stability, low cost, and ease of fabrication.