Enhanced dielectric response in P(VDF-TrFE) based all-organic nanocomposites

Recent Progress on Ferroelectric Polymer-Based Nanocomposites for High Energy Density Capacitors: Synthesis, Dielectric Properties, and Future Aspects

Dielectric polymer nanocomposites are rapidly emerging as novel materials for a number of advanced engineering applications. In this Review, we present a comprehensive review of the use of ferroelectric polymers, especially PVDF and PVDF-based copolymers/blends as potential components in dielectric nanocomposite materials for high energy density capacitor applications. Various parameters like dielectric constant, dielectric loss, breakdown strength, energy density, and flexibility of the polymer nanocomposites have been thoroughly investigated. Fillers with different shapes have been found to cause significant variation in the physical and electrical properties. Generally, one-dimensional and two-dimensional nanofillers with large aspect ratios provide enhanced flexibility versus zero-dimensional fillers. Surface modification of nanomaterials as well as polymers adds flavor to the dielectric properties of the resulting nanocomposites. Nowadays, three-phase nanocomposites with either combination of fillers or polymer matrix help in further improving the dielectric properties as compared to two-phase nanocomposites. Recent research has been focused on altering the dielectric properties of different materials while also maintaining their superior flexibility. Flexible polymer nanocomposites are the best candidates for application in various fields. However, certain challenges still present, which can be solved only by extensive research in this field.

Ultraviolet-assisted microfluidic generation of ferroelectric composite particles

We report on the feasible fabrication of microfluidic devices for ferroelectric polymers' synthesis in a rapid and stable fashion. Utilizing micro-mixing and flow-focusing in microchannels, poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) and copper phthalocyanine are uniformly dispersed in one hydrogel particle, which are then demonstrated to immediate and complete on-chip steady polymerization by moderate ultraviolet treatment. The advantage of our droplet-based microfluidic devices is generating versatile particles from simple spheres to disks or rods, and the lengths of particles can be precisely tuned from 30 to 400 μm through adjusting the flow rates of both disperse and oil phases. In addition, this mixed technique allows for the continuous production of dielectric microparticles with controlled dielectric properties between 10 and 160. Such a microfluidic device offers a flexible platform for multiferroic applications.