Modulating Energy Harvesting Behavior of PVDF Piezo-Polymer by Incorporation of BCZT Ceramic Filler

Abstract

Energy harvesting from diverse sources represents a promising avenue; particular attention has been directed toward the recovery of mechanical energy from discarded mechanical sources, which has become a focal point of research nowadays. In this context, a piezoelectric polymer ceramic composite material consisting of poly-(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and barium calcium zirconium titanate has been synthesized. These composites featured PVDF as the polymer host and Ba 0.85 Ca 0.15 Zr 0.10 Ti 0.90 O 3 (BCZT) ceramics as the filler. The BCZT filler was synthesized using a solid state reaction route, followed by its processing to reduce the particle size. The composite films of different compositions were prepared through the tape casting technique, followed by hot-pressing of free-standing film for enhancing the piezo phase as required for energy harvesting applications. A compressive analysis was conducted on these composites to assess their structural, microstructural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties under various experimental conditions. By using this composite, a device capable of converting mechanical energy from various sources, including human motion, vehicle vibration, etc., is fabricated and tested as a low-frequency energy vibrator. A head-to-head parallel piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) was also assembled and tested. The device achieved the maximum peak output power density for 1-layer and 4-layer head-to-head parallel assembled PEH devices as 47 and 126 μW/ cm 3 , respectively. We also demonstrated the device's capability of generating potential from diverse human motion, including finger tapping, bending elbow, index finger bending, knee bending, ankle movement, jumping, etc.