Advancements in Flexible Nanogenerators: Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Nanofiber Utilizing Electrospinning

Abstract

With the gradual miniaturization of electronic devices and the increasing interest in wearable devices, flexible microelectronics is being actively studied. Owing to the limitations of existing battery systems corresponding to miniaturization, there is a need for flexible alternative power sources. Accordingly, energy harvesting from surrounding environmental systems using fluorinated polymers with piezoelectric properties has received significant attention. Among them, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and PVDF co-polymers have been researched as representative organo-piezoelectric materials because of their excellent piezoelectric properties, mechanical flexibility, thermal stability, and light weight. Electrospinning is an effective method for fabricating nanofibrous meshes with superior surface-to-volume ratios from polymer solutions. During electrospinning, the polymer solution is subjected to mechanical stretching and in situ poling, corresponding to an external strong electric field. Consequently, the fraction of the piezoelectric β-phase in PVDF can be improved by the electrospinning process, and enhanced harvesting output can be realized. An overview of electrospun piezoelectric fibrous meshes composed of PVDF or PVDF co-polymers to be utilized is presented, and the recent progress in enhancement methods for harvesting output, such as fiber alignment, doping with various nanofillers, and coaxial fibers, is discussed. Additionally, other applications of these meshes as sensors are reviewed.