Ultra strong flexible Ba0.7Sr0.3Zr0.02Ti0.98O3/MWCNT/PVDF Nanocomposites: Pioneering material with remarkable energy storage for Self-Powered devices

Recently, polymer composite-based capacitors have gained an overwhelming interest in advanced power systems due to their lightweight, flexible nature, high dielectric permittivity, strong thermal stability, and good energy storage density. However, the energy storage capacity remains insufficient for practical applications. This paper reports a robust PVDF/Ba0.7Sr0.3Zr0.02Ti0.98O3 (f-BSZT)/f1-MWCNTs nanocomposite with high energy storage density, energy storage efficiency (7), stable dielectric permittivity (e) and piezoelectric response using a simple solution casting process. The composite was designed in such a way it holds a 204 % increment (14 J/cm3) in energy storage density compared to the pristine PVDF (4.6 J/cm3). The energy storage efficiency (7) was measured at 89.6 % at a breakdown strength of 2000 kV/cm and a stable dielectric permittivity (e) of approximately 41.5 at 100 Hz. When evaluating the composite's strength, an incredible increase in tensile strength (144%) and Youngs's Modulus (71.3%) was achieved. This remarkable property enhancement is attributed to superb filler dispersion and filler-matrix interfacial bonding achieved through selective surface functionalization of the fillers. Upon fabricating a nanogenerator with this nanocomposite, the device exhibited an electrical output of 25.7 V and 1.86 mu A, surpassing many contemporary results. The device also showed outstanding sensitivity and performance under various biomechanical forces, making it a promising futuristic material for self-powered energy harvesting devices.