Electric field dependence of the Curie temperature of ferroelectric poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) co-polymers for pyroelectric energy harvesting

We experimentally study pyroelectric energy harvesting in a ferroelectric co-polymer thin film, with a particular focus on the electric field dependence of its Curie temperature. Liquid-based switchable thermal interfaces are employed to achieve fast thermal cycling and reduce potential measurement errors resulting from leakage currents. Our work confirms that pyroelectric energy harvesting is most effective around the Curie temperature and that the Curie temperature does not depend strongly on electric fields, at least up to 500 kV cm−1. These results are consistent with a recent study of the electrocaloric effect in co-polymer films of a similar composition. (fast track communication)