Work

Eco-friendly nanogenerators with g-C3N4-doped PVDF-HFP films for sustainable energy harvesting

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) are emerging as potential energy sources for powering wearable electronic devices and IoT applications by harvesting mechanical energy from the environment. In this study, a flexible PENG was fabricated using PVDF-HFP polymer films embedded with different weight percentages (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanofillers. The structural and morphological properties of the fabricated films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming the successful incorporation of g-C₃N₄. The nanocomposite films were assembled into PENG devices, and their output performance was evaluated through the application of the electrodynamic shaker. The results show a considerable enhancement in the open-circuit voltage of 21.2 V and the short-circuit current of 14.24 µA with increasing g-C₃N₄ content, compared to pure PVDF-HFP films. The improved performance is attributed to the influence of g-C₃N₄ nanofillers in promoting the electroactive phase in the polymer matrix. This work highlights the potential of g-C₃N₄-based PVDF-HFP nanocomposite films for developing efficient, flexible, and sustainable energy-harvesting devices for self-powered wearable electronics.

Source: Discover Materials

DOI: 10.1007/s43939-025-00378-5

Authors: Shivender Singh Bhandari, Aditya Anand, Shilpa Rana, Dibyajyoti Giri, Jasvir Dalal, Bharti Singh

Institutions: Delhi Technological University, University of Delhi

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,590