Coaxially aligned MWCNTs improve performance of electrospun P(VDF-TrFE)-based fibrous membrane applied in wearable piezoelectric nanogenerator

Abstract Polymer-based piezoelectric nanocomposites are much promising in self-powered wearable application. In this work, flexible MWCNTs/P(VDF-TrFE) fibrous membranes were prepared via electrospinning. The introduction of coaxially aligned MWCNTs improves the mechanical-to-electrical output of 18.23 V and 2.14 μA of peak values in 3 wt% loading piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG). An output power density of 6.53 μW/cm2 was obtained at 10 MΩ load resistance under the test condition close to practical use of 20% strain and 1 Hz external stress. In application test, tiny movement on the device could instantly light LED bulbs or LCD screen. The PENG also represents high stability during more than 20,000 cycles.