Flexible PVDF-Ba0.97Ca0.03TiO3 polymer-ceramic composite films for energy storage, biosensor, mechanosensor, and UV-visible light protection

Abstract

Multifunctional piezoelectric devices, which can detect pressure, store electrostatic energy, block UV radiation, and generate electricity from body movements, are highly beneficial for enhancing individual well-being. To achieve these capabilities, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite films with Ba0.97Ca0.03TiO3 (BCT3) filler were prepared, varying the BCT3 content from 0 to 50 wt.%. The BCT3 ceramic, prepared using a modified solidstate reaction, exhibits a tetragonal phase at room temperature with a d33 value of 105 pC/N. X-ray diffraction confirms composite formation. The beta phase ranges from 75 to 86.9 %. At 40 wt.% BCT3, the dielectric constant, energy density, and piezoelectric properties peak, yielding maximum Wrec and Wtot of 138.1 and 284.7 mJ/cm3 (@ 250 kV/cm), respectively. PVDF-BCT3-40 (40 wt.%) shows maximum voltage, current, and power density of 25 V, 26.8 nA, and 19.8 mu W/cm3 under a 50 N load. Increasing BCT3 content enhances UV-visible absorbance, making the composites effective for light shielding.