Composite Electrospun Nanofibers for Energy Scavenging Applications

Abstract

Electrospun nanocomposites are promising materials in terms of energy harvesting or scavenging applications. The nanoclay-incorporated electrospun nanofibers had smaller diameters due to the low viscosity of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-clay solution. The overall characteristics of pressure-related osmosis membranes are enhanced with a conducting filler–loaded nanocomposite. Piezoelectric polymeric nanocomposites exhibit superior properties in comparison to pristine polymer systems. Electrospun nanocomposite–based mechanical energy harvesters are far superior in terms of output voltage and power density. Electrospun nanocomposites and their inherent properties, like larger surface areas, implying higher reaction points, have made them a promising candidate for dye-sensitized solar cells, hydrogen generators, and supercapacitors. The mesoporous and large surface area of the nanocomposite enabled substrate adsorption, mass, and light harvesting. The electrospinning process sets the correct parameters for the higher-energy-output variables in nanocomposites. The PVDF-LiCl-based electrospun nanocomposite was proposed for textile end-use applications owing to its higher elongation at break and output voltage.