Yb³⁺ assisted self-polarized PVDF based ferroelectretic nanogenerator: A facile strategy of highly efficient mechanical energy harvester fabrication

Highlights: • A facile strategy for fabrication of self-polarized Ytterbium (Yb³⁺) assisted porous PVDF composite film comprising flexible ferroelectretic nanogenerator (FTNG) is spot lighted where traditional poling treatment is completely avoided. • Owing to extraordinary ferroelectric and dielectric properties, FTNG is acting as a highly efficient mechanical energy harvester. • It is capable to capture several forms of abundant mechanical energy arising from human finger movements, machine vibrations and sound waves. • It generates open circuit voltage, V_oc ~ 10 V and short circuit current, I_sc ~ 63 µA with 2.4 % of piezoelectric energy conversion efficiency. • Additionally, it is also capable to turn on arrays of LEDs instantly, consumer electronics units, etc., implying its significance in the field of self-powered flexible electronics.. Ytterbium (Yb³⁺) assisted porous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite film comprising flexible ferroelectretic nanogenerator (FTNG) is highlighted where traditional poling treatment is completely avoided. The piezoelectric output of FTNG is realized by the co-operative activity of self-polarized $-$/$-$ -CH₂/ -CF₂ dipoles with porous electret-like structure in the composite film. Owing to extraordinary ferroelectric and dielectric properties, FTNG is acting as a highly efficient mechanical energy harvester. It is capable to capture several forms of abundant mechanical energy arising from human finger movements, machine vibrations and sound waves. As a proof of concept, under compressive deformation, FTNG is enable to instantly powers up several consumer electronics and thus provides a promising strategy for achieving self-powered electronic devices.