High energy density and interfacial polarization in poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) nanocomposite incorporated with halloysite nanotube architecture

yPolymer film is current the primary candidate for dielectric capacitor due to its large electric breakdown and intrinsic self-healing feature. High energy density and charge-discharge efficiency of film capacitors are urgent requirements for the miniaturization of power system with lightweight concern. Here the efficient transport tunnel has been constructed in halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)/poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P (VDF-CTFE)) nanocomposite, in which the polar response is enhanced due to the tubular architecture serving as interior diffusion under external electric field. The HNTs/P(VDF-CTFE) nanocomposite was prepared by simple solution casting method. The dielectric property and electrical energy capability are improved after the incorporation of HNTs, for which the large free space inside tube facilitates the motions of electron and ion that contribute to the large polarization. The energy density of 1 wt% nanocomposite achieves 6.5 J/cm(3) at 350 MV/m, which is ascribed to the high content of electroactive phase and enhanced electric displacement. This work provides an effective strategy for developing flexible polymer nanocomposite with high energy density, and sheds a light on the improvement of mechanism in 1D tubular structure/polymer composite for energy storage applications.