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

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 Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.10Ti0.90O3 (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/cm3, 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.