Enhanced Piezoelectric Performance of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Nanocomposites with Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanowires and Branched Carbon Nanotubes via Melt Mixing Process

Abstract

This study presents the development of high-performance poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based piezoelectric nanocomposites incorporating branched carbon nanotubes (bCNTs) and zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) through a scalable melt mixing process. ZnONWs with uniform morphology (mean diameter: 36.5 nm) are successfully synthesized and characterized. FTIR analysis confirms that incorporating bCNTs into PVDF significantly enhances the beta-phase content, while adding ZnO NWs (1-10 wt.%) resulted in progressive intensification of beta-phase characteristic peaks, with higher ZnO content showing stronger electroactive phase formation. The optimized composition (PVDF/0.5 wt.% bCNTs/5 wt.% ZnO NWs) demonstrates superior piezoelectric performance with a power density of 5.62 mu W cm-2, voltage output of 1.55 V, and current output of 14.48 mu A. Moreover, the composite exhibits excellent mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 48 MPa and maintains stable performance under cyclic loading. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect between bCNTs and ZnO NWs, optimal beta-phase formation, and efficient charge transfer pathways. This study demonstrates the potential of melt-mixed PVDF nanocomposites for practical energy harvesting applications.