Multiferroic and energy harvesting characteristics of P(VDF-TrFE)-CuFe2O4 flexible films

Abstract

Ferroelectric polymer-based multiferroics are very promising candidates for a wide variety of applications. To realize such a composite material with remarkable multiferroic behavior, we have developed CuFe2O4 nanoparticles loaded poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) films by a solvent casting approach. Different weight percentages (2, 4, 8 and 16) of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were achieved in the P(VDF-TrFE) matrix. Remarkable improvement in the multiferroic behavior has been observed with the addition of the magnetic nanoparticle. Through this approach, by adjusting the filler content we could vary the magnetoelectric coupling coefficient from 6.12 to 26.31 mVcm−1Oe−1. The piezoelectric energy harvesting performances of the prepared multiferroic materials were also studied. The energy harvesting devices based on the developed materials were produced output voltages between 3 and −3 V during repeated pressure imparting.