Multifunctional Ternary Composites with Silver Nanowires and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Capacitive Sensing and Photocatalytic Self-Cleaning Applications

Abstract

Multifunctional polymer composites are of increasing interest as they allow tuning of physical–chemical properties for specific applications. A ternary composite material is presented based on the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and conductive silver nanowires (AgNWs) into a poly­(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer matrix. The films were prepared by solvent casting, varying the contents of the filler up to 10 wt %, and showed improved mechanical and dielectric responses and tailorable optical properties. In contrast, the morphology, polymer phase, and thermal stability are nearly independent of the filler type and content within the composite. A dielectric constant of up to 14 at 1 kHz was obtained for the 7.5%AgNWs/2.5%TiO2/PVDF sample. The (multi)­functionality of the developed materials is demonstrated for photocatalytic self-cleaning and capacitive sensing applications, indicating the suitability of the approach for next-generation hybrid multifunctional materials.

Smart and Multifunctional Materials Based on Electroactive Poly(vinylidene fluoride): Recent Advances and Opportunities in Sensors, Actuators, Energy, Environmental, and Biomedical Applications

“…A PVDF-based material with immobilized TiO 2 and Ag nanoparticles has been applied as capacitive sensor with photocatalytic self-cleaning properties. 584 A nonporous thin film was produced that assures good electric properties envisaging capacitive sensing applications. Still, it limits the photocatalytic self-cleaning effect exclusively to the thin film surface, where the MB solution is in contact with the TiO 2 nanoparticles under UV irradiation.…”

“…A PVDF-based material with immobilized TiO 2 and Ag nanoparticles has been applied as capacitive sensor with photocatalytic self-cleaning properties . A nonporous thin film was produced that assures good electric properties envisaging capacitive sensing applications.…”

Silver nanowires/cellulose flexible transparent conductive films for electromagnetic interference shielding and electrothermal conversion

“…[27][28][29] However, there are also some major problems with AgNWs conductive networks, such as the high contact resistance between AgNWs, which is mainly caused by the insulating nature of the AgNW surface PVP and the loose contact between AgNWs wires. Researchers usually use hot pressing, 30,31 chemical soldering, [32][33][34] and combinations with metal oxide [35][36][37] to solve this problem. In addition, the issue of high roughness in AgNW films necessitates resolution, typically resulting from the irregular distribution of AgNWs within the film.…”

Magnetic Polymer Actuators with Self-Sensing Resistive Bending Response Based on Ternary Polymer Composites

“…For instance, thermoplastic polymers are commonly used as matrix material since their simple processability allows the production of complex structures . Among them, poly­(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers are highlighted based on their mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties, together with their piezo-, pyro-, and ferroelectricity properties when crystallizing in specific phases. − PVDF is a semicrystalline polymer that can crystallize into five different phases (α, β, γ, δ, and ε) depending on the processing conditions, of which the β phase is characterized by the highest electroactive response. The crystallization of the polymer in this electroactive phase can be achieved in different ways, including the introduction of specific nanoparticles, ionic liquids, carbon nanotubes, nanosheets, or by stretching and poling processes .…”