Flexible nano-ZnO/polyvinylidene difluoride piezoelectric composite films as energy harvester

Nanogenerators (NGs) which harvest energy from mechanical vibration have attracted more attention in the past decade. Piezoelectric materials are the most promising candidates for developing NGs. Flexible free-standing nano-ZnO/PVDF composite films are prepared by incorporating different amounts of nano-ZnO fillers in PVDF matrix using sol–gel technique. Poled films show enhanced dielectric constant. The above free-standing films, with appropriate contacts, are subjected to energy harvesting studies. The output voltage increases with nano-ZnO loading in the PVDF matrix and shows enhanced effect for the poled films. Piezoelectric properties are investigated by measuring the piezoelectric charge constant (d33) and piezoelectric voltage constant (g33). A maximum AC output voltage ~4 V and output power of the order of few nanowatts are recorded for the nanogenerator which is used to light a red LED using a rectifying circuit through the discharging of a capacitor.