Piezoelectric Polymer Nanocomposite for Energy Harvesting and Security Applications Developed

Among the different variants, the polymer nanocomposite with monoclinic zirconia nanoparticles exhibited superior piezoelectric output compared to the pure polymer and other derivatives.

A team of researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore, in collaboration with scientists from the National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has developed a novel piezoelectric polymer nanocomposite material with potential applications in pressure sensing and energy harvesting. This breakthrough is particularly significant for creating flexible, portable, and sustainable energy solutions in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The researchers focused on synthesizing zirconia-based metal−organic frameworks (UiO-66 and UiO-67), which were then converted into zirconia nanoparticles with controlled crystallographic phases—monoclinic and tetragonal. By incorporating these nanoparticles into poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF), a well-known piezoelectric polymer, the team observed a marked enhancement in the piezoelectric properties of the resulting nanocomposite.

Among the different variants, the polymer nanocomposite with monoclinic zirconia nanoparticles exhibited superior piezoelectric output compared to the pure polymer and other derivatives. This finding underscores the importance of crystal structure and surface characteristics of nanofillers in optimizing the performance of piezoelectric materials.

As a practical demonstration, the researchers developed a wireless, Bluetooth-enabled security alert system using the newly fabricated nanocomposite. The prototype was installed in a chamber where the piezoelectric pavement generated voltage upon detecting footsteps, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. This activation triggered the security system, which communicated the alert wirelessly via a Bluetooth module to an Android application.

This innovative security alert system prototype not only serves as a touch sensor but also as a means to generate electrical energy from mechanical inputs, demonstrating the versatility of the nanocomposite.

The study, published in the journal ACS-Applied Nano Material, validates the potential of PVDF-monoclinic ZrO2 nanoparticle nanocomposites for flexible and durable energy generation and pressure-sensing applications. This research is part of an ongoing project funded by the Department of Science and Technology under the Inspire Faculty Fellowship programme.

For further details, interested parties can contact Prof. B L V Prasad (Email: pl.bhagavatula@cens.res.in) or Dr. Subash C K (Email: cksubash@cens.res.in).