Piezoelectric Properties of Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers and Related Energy Harvesting Applications

Abstract

Electrospinning (ES) methods that can produce piezoelectricity in polymer nanofibers have attracted tremendous research attention. These electrospun polymer nanofibers can be employed for sensors, energy harvesting, tissue engineering, and filtration applications. This paper reviews the performance of a variety of electrospun piezoelectric polymer nanofibers produced by different ES methods, including near-field electrospinning and conventional far-field electrospinning methods. Herein, it is described how the ES method can affect the piezoelectric properties of various polymer nanofibers, including poly(vinylidene difluorine), poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene), nylon 11, poly(l-lactic acid), and poly(α-benzyl-l-glutamate). Due to the varied matrix structures of piezoelectric polymer nanofibers, the ES method may conduct variable effects on the piezoelectric properties of polymer nanofibers. After characterizations by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, dielectric spectra, and piezoelectric coefficient measurements, it is found that the piezoelectric properties of the polymer nanofibers can be significantly affected by the ES parameters. Most of previous review articles focus on the output performance of electrospun polymer nanofibers. A detailed description of how different ES methods affect the piezoelectricity of polymer nanofibers is still lacking. In this review paper, the basic principle behind ES methods and the way in which different ES methods affect the properties of polymer nanofibers are examined.