Abstract
This study explores the role of RGO in improving the energy harvesting potentiality of P(VDF-TrFE) matrix without applying the conventional polling process. Five different piezoelectric sheets were prepared by varying the RGO contents in P(VDF-TrFE) matrix to realize its optimum concentration in the matrix. The effect of RGO on the electroactive polar beta (β) phase of P(VDF-TrFE) was investigated through the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). To elaborate the RGO role, dielectric properties of the as-prepared piezoelectric sheets were also checked over the frequency range of 1 kHz–100 kHz at room temperature. Finally, these piezoelectric sheets were used to fabricate the piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) devices. Among the fabricated PENGs, the PENG with 0.1% RGO contents reveals the maximum open circuit voltage of 2.4 V and highest peak of short-circuit current around 0.8 μA at an applied force of 2 N. Moreover, it exhibits the highest output power of 3.2 μW at 1.8 MΩ load resistance, all the outputs were recorded without applying polling process. It was estimated that our fabricated self-poled, flexible piezoelectric nano-generator can be a useful candidate to powering futuristic nano-devices.
•The effect of RGO nanosheets on the electroactive polar β phase of P(VDF-TrFE) was explored.•RGO nanofillers act as a polling medium in the P(VDF-TrFE) matrix.•Enhancement in energy harvesting was observed with increasing of RGO concentration.