Review of emerging materials for PVDF-based energy harvesting

The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the techniques for improving the physicochemical properties of Polyvinyl Difluoride (PVDF) and its application. It has been proven that the piezoelectric and dielectric properties, polar phase, thermal stability, flexibility and adaptability of PVDF can be improved by modifying its matrix with suitable nanofillers and using a good manufactured method like electrospinning. The article first briefly presents the fundamental properties of PVDF and then the potential nanofillers as well as the approaches used in the literature. As regards the second phases, the additives Al(NO3)3.9H2O, SiO2, MoS2; ZnO, TiO2, BaTiO3, RGO, TiO2/BaTiO3, CdS; BiFeO3; MgO; HfO2; ZrO2; (Na,K)NbO3 and Au showed efficient improvements in PVDF films. Their contributions to the piezoelectric response of electrospun PVDF are highly competitive. The concentration of nanofibers must be properly taken into account. As for the method, electrospinning is an efficient, economical and relatively simple method for the preparation of PVDF.