Influence of CNTs on the Crystalline Microstructure and Ferroelectric Behavior of P(VDF-TrFE)

We investigate the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the crystalline microstructure and ferroelectric behavior of polyvinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene (P(VDF-TrFE)). X-ray analysis suggests that CNT can act as a template and direct the chain orientation of P(VDF-TrFE) crystals. In the presence of CNTs, the molecular chain axis (c axis) of the β-phase crystal is oriented parallel to the long axis of CNTs. Moreover, we find that this templating effect did not cause a polymorph transition. For P(VDF-TrFE)/CNT composites, the crystallinity of P(VDF-TrFE) is slightly decreased. The orientation of the c axis induced by the templating effect of CNTs has a significant impact on the ferroelectric behavior of P(VDF-TrFE). As compared to a pure P(VDF-TrFE) film, the remnant polarization of the P(VDF-TrFE)/CNT composite is enhanced. Correspondingly, the piezoelectric property of the P(VDF-TrFE)/CNT composite shows a significant enhancement.