Electrospun PVDF/PZT hybrid piezoelectric composites: a route to flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators

Abstract Flexible self-powered piezoelectric devices offer a promising route for converting waste vibrational energy into sustainable power sources. In this study, ferroelectric Pb(Zr 0.52 Ti 048 )O 3 (PZT) nanoparticles were incorporated into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix at varying volume fractions using electrospinning. Structural characterization by x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry validated enhanced crystallinity and increased electroactive β -phase content due to PZT inclusion. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy further revealed the fiber morphology and diameter distribution in both pristine and hybrid PVDF/PZT nanofibers. The optimized PVDF/PZT (33%) nanogenerator, encapsulated with polydimethylsiloxane, exhibited an open-circuit voltage 5.4 times higher than that of pristine PVDF and achieved a peak power density of 0.97 µ W cm −2 under mechanical excitation. The device also demonstrated excellent stability over 6000 cycles and practical applicability by charging capacitors and powering light-emitting diodes. These findings underscore the potential of the developed PVDF/PZT-based nanogenerator as a flexible, high-output, and durable energy-harvesting solution for next-generation wearable electronics, self-powered sensors, and micro-electro-mechanical systems applications.