Thermal and mechanical energy harvester based on flexible PVDF/PLZT polymer-ceramic composites

The present manuscript focuses on the thermal and mechanical energy harvesting through flexible PVDF/PLZT (Polyvinylidene Fluoride/ Lanthanum doped lead zirconium titanate) composite films prepared using solution-cast technique. The effect of Lanthanum doped lead zirconium titanate (PLZT) ceramic content in the composite was studied in terms of its structural, morphological and dielectric properties. The pyroelectric coefficient, figure of merit and piezoelectric voltage were determined for pure PVDF and PVDF/PLZT composite films. With increasing PLZT concentration in PVDF from 0 to 50%, the pyroelectric coefficient values were found to vary from 0.5 x 10(-4) Cm-2 K-1 to 18 x 10(-4) Cm-2 K-1 respectively. The maximum piezoelectric voltage of 1.5 V was achieved for PVDF/PLZT (50%) flexible composite films. The obtained pyroelectric coefficient and piezoelectric voltage for the PVDF/PLZT (50%) composite film revealed its importance in terms of performance for thermal and mechanical energy harvesting.