Flexible PVDF/SiC/FeCl3 nanofiber membrane generators with synergistically enhanced piezoelectricity

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a renowned piezoelectric polymer, but its widespread application is hindered by its low β phase content. This research presents the fabrication of PVDF/SiC, PVDF/FeCl3, and PVDF/SiC/FeCl3 composite nanofiber membranes via an electrospinning technique. Among these, the PVDF/SiC/FeCl3 composite nanofiber-based piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) exhibited the best output performance. This enhancement is primarily due to the synergistic effect of incorporating SiC and FeCl3 into the PVDF matrix, which significantly increases the β phase content of PVDF, thereby enhancing the piezoelectric properties of the PENG. The flexible PENG arrays composed of PVDF/SiC/FeCl3 composite membranes hold great promise for use in smart socks for gait monitoring, particularly for early corrective measures in preschool children. This innovation is expected to have a significant impact on the fields of sports, medical monitoring, and other related areas.