P(VDF-TrFE) Film on PDMS Substrate for Energy Harvesting Applications

• Main Authors: Soaram Kim, Itmenon Towfeeq, Yongchang Dong, Sean Gorman, Apparao M. Rao, Goutam Koley
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-01-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: PDMS; piezoelectric; P(VDF-TrFE); energy harvester; flexible
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/8/2/213

We have developed and demonstrated a highly flexible P(VDF-TrFE) film-based energy harvesting device on a PDMS substrate, avoiding any complex composites and patterned structures. The structural and electrical properties of the P(VDF-TrFE) film was investigated using multiple characterization techniques and an optimized film of 7 µm thickness was used for the energy harvesting application. The device, with Ti/Ni metal contacts, was driven by a shaker providing an acceleration of 1.75 g, and frequencies varying from 5 to 30 Hz. The energy harvesting performance of the final fabricated device was tested using the shaker, and resulted in a maximum output capacitor voltage of 4.4 V, which successfully powered a set of 27 LEDs after several minutes of charging.