PVDF–PZT nanocomposite film based self-charging power cell

A novel PVDF?PZT?nanocomposite?film has been proposed and used as a piezoseparator?in?self-charging?power?cells (SCPCs). The structure, composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT), provides a high piezoelectric output, because PZT in this nanocomposite film can improve the piezopotential compared to the pure PVDF film. The SCPC based on this nanocomposite film can be efficiently charged up by the mechanical deformation in the absence of an external power source. The charge capacity of the PVDF?PZT nanocomposite film based SCPC in 240 s is ?0.010??A?h, higher than that of a pure PVDF film based SCPC (?0.004??A?h). This is the first demonstration of using PVDF?PZT nanocomposite film as a piezoseparator for SCPC, and is an important step for the practical applications of SCPC for harvesting and storing mechanical energy.