Search Results (291)

Planar heaters are designed to deliver uniform heat across broad surfaces and serve as critical components in applications requiring energy efficiency, safety, and mechanical flexibility, such as wearable electronics and smart textiles. However, conventional metal-based heaters are limited by poor adaptability to curved or complex surfaces, low mechanical compliance, and susceptibility to oxidation-induced degradation. To overcome these challenges, we applied a protein-assisted electroless copper (Cu) plating strategy to electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofiber substrates to fabricate flexible, conductive planar heating membranes. For interfacial functionalization, a protein-based engineering approach using bovine serum albumin (BSA) was employed to facilitate palladium ion coordination and seed formation. The resulting membrane exhibited a dense, continuous Cu coating, low sheet resistance, excellent durability under mechanical deformation, and stable heating performance at low voltages. These results demonstrate that the BSA-assisted strategy can be effectively extended to complex three-dimensional fibrous membranes, supporting its scalability and practical potential for next-generation conformal and wearable planar heaters. Full article

Fibrous structure is a promising building block for developing high-performance wearable piezoresistive sensors. However, the inherent non-conductivity of the fibrous polymer remains a bottleneck for highly sensitive and fast-responsive piezoresistive sensors. Herein, we reported a polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide @ polydopamine/poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PANI/rGO@PDA/PVDF) nanofiber piezoresistive sensor (PNPS) capable of versatile wearable biomonitoring. The PNPS was fabricated by integrating rGO sheets and PANI particles into a PDA-modified PVDF nanofiber network, where PDA was implemented to boost the interaction between the nanofiber networks and functional materials, PANI particles were deposited on a nanofiber substrate to construct electroactive nanofibers, and rGO sheets were utilized to interconnect nanofibers to strengthen in-plane charge carrier transport. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of multi-dimensional electroactive materials in piezoresistive membranes, the as-fabricated PNPS exhibits a high sensitivity of 13.43 kPa⁻¹ and a fast response time of 9 ms, which are significantly superior to those without an rGO sheet. Additionally, a wide pressure detection range from 0 to 30 kPa and great mechanical reliability over 12,000 cycles were attained. Furthermore, the as-prepared PNPS demonstrated the capability to detect radial arterial pulses, subtle limb motions, and diverse respiratory patterns, highlighting its potential for wearable biomonitoring and healthcare assessment. Full article

To improve solid-state lithium batteries, solution casting has been employed to create lithium ion-conducting copolymer electrolytes involving poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend polymers with various compositions. Following X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformation (FTIR), the structural characterisation and identification of molecular bonding in polymer electrolytes were confirmed. Through AC impedance analysis, the electrical characteristics of the solid-state polymer films were investigated. The dielectric conductivity of the sample was found to obey the modified Arrhenius relationship, while in the case of a sample with higher conductivity, it followed Arrhenius behaviour. The relaxation parameters and dielectric behaviour of the samples are demonstrated and discussed. Full article

Gel electrolytes (GEs) play a pivotal role in the advancement of lithium metal batteries by offering high energy density and enhanced rate capability. Nevertheless, their real-world application is hampered by relatively low ionic conductivity and significant interfacial resistance at room temperatures. In this work, we developed a gel electrolyte membrane (GEM) by embedding Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) material into a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) matrix through UV curing. The composite membrane, with 4 wt% ZIF-8, exhibited an ionic conductivity of 1.17 × 10⁻³ S/cm, an electrochemical stability window of 4.7 V, and a lithium-ion transference number of 0.7. The test results indicate that the electrochemical performance of LFP//GEM//Li battery has an initial specific capacity of 168 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C rate. At 1 C, the discharge capacity was 88 mAh g⁻¹, and at 2 C, it was 68 mAh g⁻¹. Enhanced ionic transport, improved electrochemical stability, and optimized lithium-ion migration collectively contributed to superior rate performance and prolonged cycle life. This study offers novel insights and methodological advances for next-generation lithium metal batteries technologies. Full article

Multi-scale characterization techniques have been employed to analyze the size effect of microstructure on the phase transition behavior and dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films. The results show that oriented amorphous fraction layers are prone to form in the vicinity of the grain boundaries of nano-grained films, while the interfacial polarization and electrostriction effect play a major role. Polar nano-regions are prone to form in micro-grained films, and the maximum fraction of polar crystalline phase and maximal dielectric constant can be achieved due to the balance between the intrinsic effect and extrinsic effect of the material. On the contrary, the extrinsic effect corresponding to interfacial charges greatly influences the phase transition behavior between beta and alpha phases for coarse-grained PVDF films, while the dielectric properties are mainly influenced by the intrinsic electrostatic field and van der Waal interaction of the material. Hence, the dielectric behavior of nano-grained films can be adjusted by the copolymerization technique, that of micro-grained films can be adjusted by both the copolymerization technique and the controlling of microstructure morphology, and that of coarse-grained films can be adjusted by the doping technique. Full article

Ultrafiltration is essential for wastewater treatment, but it faces challenges such as selectivity, control, and fouling reduction. Incorporating nanoparticles into membranes enhances retention, boosts permeability, and limits fouling, improving overall performance. This study explores the properties of PVDF/Ag-ZnO composite membranes, highlighting the influence of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles on membrane structure, performance, and antimicrobial effect. The non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method successfully led to the preparation of composite membranes; this method used different doses of silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) nanoparticles with Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and water contact angle measurements were used to validate the influence of nanoparticles on the composite membrane (PVDF/Ag-ZnO) structure. Conversely, morphology (porosity, surface rigorosity), hydrophilicity, and permeability were analyzed through contact angle, image analysis, and flux measurement. In addition, the membranes were tested for antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Membrane performance shows that the incorporation of 20% w/w Ag-ZnO resulted in improved water permeability, which was about 2.73 times higher than that of a pure PVDF membrane (192.2 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹). The membrane porosity showed a linear increase with the number of NPs. The resultant asymmetric membrane was altered to increase the number of pores on the top surface by 61% and the cross-sectional pore surface by 663%. Furthermore, a high antibacterial activity of Ag-ZnO 20% was shown. Full article

Solid-state electrolytes are widely expected to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, providing higher energy density and improved safety. However, challenges still need to be solved in their practical application due to low ionic conductivity and high interfacial resistance at room temperature. In this study, we successfully developed a high-performance gel polymer electrolyte (GPEs) by blending poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)(PVDF-HFP) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) through UV curing, cross-linking with ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA), and incorporating Li_6.4La₃Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂ (LLZTO). At room temperature, the ionic conductivity of the GPEs was 2.8 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm, with a lithium-ion transference number of 0.6. Moreover, during lithium plating/stripping tests, the assembled Li/PPEL/Li symmetric cell exhibited stable cycling for up to 600 h at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm². Notably, the GPEs enabled the LiFePO₄/GPEs/Li battery to achieve excellent performance, delivering high discharge capacities at room temperature (164.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and 88.8 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 C), with a capacity retention of 89.4% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Therefore, solid-state batteries using this electrolyte exhibit excellent performance, including adequate capacity and cycling stability. Full article

Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with a polymer matrix swollen in liquid electrolytes offers several advantages over conventional liquid electrolytes, including no leakage, lightweight properties, and high reliability. While poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-based GPEs show promise for lithium-ion batteries, their practical application is hindered by the intrinsic trade-off between ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness in conventional PVDF systems. Typical strategies relying on excessive plasticizers (e.g., ionic liquids) compromise mechanical integrity. Here, we propose a novel hot-pressing-induced recrystallization strategy to synergistically enhance both anisotropic ionic conductivity and puncture strength in PVDF-based GPE films. By blending PVDF with controlled amounts of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([HMIM]Cl), followed by solution casting and hot pressing, we achieve microstructural reorganization that dramatically improves through-thickness ion transport and mechanical performance. Crucially, hot-pressed PVDF with only 25 wt% [HMIM]Cl exhibits a 12.5-fold increase in ionic conductivity (reaching 4.7 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm) compared to its solution-cast counterparts. Remarkably, this formulation surpasses the conductivity of PVDF-HFP composites with a higher [HMIM]Cl content (35 wt%, 1.7 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm), demonstrating performance optimization of anisotropic conductivity. What is more, the mechanical strength of the piercing strength perpendicular to the GPE film after hot pressing increased by 42% compared to the solution-cast film. This work establishes a scalable processing route to break the conductivity–strength dichotomy in GPEs, offering critical insights for designing high-performance polymer electrolytes. Full article

Long-time exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere can have negative health effects on humans and other living organisms. In order to purify ambient air, these VOCs can be degraded using photocatalysis. In this research, commercially available TiO₂ nanoparticles were immobilized in a porous poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexa-fluoropropylene) (PVDF) polymer matrix, synthesized using the phase inversion method. The most used solvent for PVDF is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). However, this solvent is known to be harmful to humans and the environment, and there is a need to replace NMP with a more ecological ‘green’ solvent. Here, triethyl phosphate (TEP), methyl-5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate (Rhodiasolv^® PolarClean) and propylene carbonate (PC) were used to dissolve PVDF for the phase inversion synthesis of porous photocatalytically active PVDF/TiO₂ hybrid layers onto aluminium slides. The photocatalytic degradation under UV (365 nm) of gaseous ethanol in an argon/oxygen (Ar/O₂) atmosphere shows that these solvents are suitable replacements for NMP, but optimization is required to improve the performance of the layers. Apart from changing the solvent for PVDF, the UV and photocatalysis stability of PVDF has been determined, as well as the repeatability of the photocatalytic reaction, to prove that PVDF is a suitable polymer for this application. Full article

This study explores the influence of various additives on the morphological, chemical, and thermal properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes prepared via the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. The use of a green solvent such as triethyl phosphate (TEP) was shown to be successful. A particular focus was dedicated to pore formers based on choline chloride–based deep eutectic solvents (DES) in combination with ethylene glycol and glycerol, i.e., ChCl/EG and ChCl/GLY, and its benchmark with traditional counterparts such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and glycerol (GLY). Comprehensive characterization was conducted using FESEM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC techniques to evaluate changes in membrane morphology, porosity, and crystallinity. PEG acted as a pore-forming agent, transitioning the internal structure from spherulitic to sponge-like with consistent pore sizes, while GLY produced a nodular morphology at higher concentrations due to increased dope solution viscosity. DES induced significant shifts in crystalline phase composition, decreasing α-phase fractions and promoting β-phase formation at higher concentrations. While the overall porosity remained unaffected by the addition of GLY or PEG, it was dependent on the DES concentration in the dope at lower values than those obtained by GLY and PEG. Membrane pore size with ChCl/GLY was lower than with ChCl/EG and GLY. All membranes showed performance at the hydrophobic regime. The findings demonstrate that ChCl/EG and ChCl/GLY can tailor the structural and thermal properties of TEP-driven PVDF membranes, providing a green and versatile approach to customize the membrane properties for specific applications. Full article

This paper discusses the results of our investigation of the effect of processing parameters on the electrochemical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) single-walled carbon nanotube sheets and PVDF-CNTs modified by solution cast polyimide coating, followed by electrodeposition of polypyrrole. The polyimide-coated single-wall carbon nanotube sheet–PI/SWCNTs composite consists of SWCNT and PVDF (9:1) wt.% and 0.1–1 wt.% polyimide. The processing temperature varied from 90 to 250 °C. SEM images validated the nanostructure, while EDX confirmed the material composition. EIS analysis showed that the composite electrode material processed at 90 °C and followed by electrodeposition of polypyrrole has the lowest bulk resistance (65.27 Ω), higher porosity (4.59%), and the highest specific capacitance (209.16 F/g), indicating superior ion transport and charge storage. Cyclic voltammetry and cyclic charge–discharge analyses revealed that the hybrid composite electrode processed at 90 °C achieved a specific capacitance of 655.34 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, demonstrating excellent cycling stability over 10 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A/g. In contrast, composite electrodes processed at 180 °C and 250 °C showed decreased performance due in part to structural densification and low porosity. These findings underscore the critical role of processing temperatures in optimizing the electrochemical properties of PI/SWCNT composites, advancing their potential for next-generation energy storage systems. Full article

Piezoelectric materials, due to their ability to generate an electric charge in response to mechanical deformation, are becoming increasingly attractive in the engineering of bone and neural tissues. This manuscript reports the effects of the addition of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), introduction of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via sonochemical coating, and collector rotation speed on the formation of electroactive phases and biological properties in electrospun nanofiber scaffolds consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). FTIR, WAXS, DSC, and SEM results indicate that introduction of nHA increases the content of electroactive phases and fiber alignment. The collector rotational speed increases not only the fiber alignment but also the content of electroactive phases in PVDF and PVDF/nHA fibers. Increased fiber orientation and introduction of each of additives resulted in increased SFE and water uptake. In vitro tests conducted on MG-63 and hiPSC-NSC cells showed increased adhesion and cell proliferation. The results indicate that PVDF-based composites with nHA and AuNPs are promising candidates for the development of advanced scaffolds for bone and neural tissue engineering applications, combining electrical functionality and biological activity to support tissue regeneration. Full article

The morphology of Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes prepared via the nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method was modulated by altering the dope solution with citric acid (CA) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂) to optimize the β-phase content. Three series of dope solutions were prepared in dimethyl acetamide (DMAc): (i) TONx series contained 0.0–10% citric acid, (ii) Mx series contained 0.0–0.4% nano-TiO₂, and (iii) TAx series contained 5% CA and 0.0–0.40% nano-TiO₂. A field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study revealed that CA enhances pore opening, and nano-TiO₂ transforms the sponge-like uneven porous structures into a compact, relatively regular honeycomb structure in the PVDF membranes. The combined effect of CA and nano-TiO₂ in the dope solution made the channels and chambers of the membrane well organized, and the walls of the channels transformed from solid fibrils to cross-woven nanofiber-like entities. Porosity initially peaked at 84% in the TAx series, gradually decreasing to 72% with increasing nano-TiO₂ concentrations. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed the presence of a combined relative amount of the β- and γ-polymorphs of 84% in a neat PVDF membrane, 88% in an Mx, and 96% in a TAx series membrane, with the β-PVDF constituting nearly the entire portion of the combined polymorphs. The presence of 96% electroactive polymorph content in the PVDF membrane is noteworthy, highlighting its potential biomedical and industrial applications. Full article

Functional membranes with waterproof, breathable, and thermal regulation capabilities are increasingly sought after across various industries. However, developing such functional membranes commonly involves complex multi-step preparation processes. Herein, we introduced perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (FAS) into the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) solution for one-step electrospinning, successfully fabricating membranes that combine these properties. The hydrophobicity of the PVDF-HFP/FAS membrane was greatly improved with the water contact angle increased from 120.6° to 142.9° and the solar reflectance rising from 72% to 92% due to the presence of fluorocarbon segments. The synergistic effect of enhanced hydrophobicity, small pore size, and elevated solar reflectivity resulted in robust water resistance (62 kPa), excellent water vapor transmission rate (12.4 kg m⁻² d⁻¹), and superior cooling performance (6.4 °C lower than commercial cotton fabrics). These findings suggest that the proposed PVDF-HFP/FAS membranes, characterized by desired multifunction characteristics and scalable production, hold great potential for application in diverse strategic fields. Full article

Dielectric capacitors offer immense application potential in advanced electrical and electronic systems with their unique ultrahigh power density. Polymer-based dielectric composites with high energy density are urgently needed to meet the ever-growing demand for the integration and miniaturization of electronic devices. However, the universal contradictory relationship between permittivity and breakdown strength in traditional ceramic/polymer nanocomposite still poses a huge challenge for a breakthrough in energy density. In this work, all-organic carbon quantum dot CDs were synthesized and introduced into a poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF polymer matrix to achieve significantly boosted energy storage performance. The ultrasmall and surface functionalized CDs facilitate the polar β-phase transition and crystallinity of PVDF polymer and modulate the energy level and traps of the nanocomposite. Surprisingly, a synergistic dielectric enhancement and loss reduction were achieved in CD/PVDF nanocomposite. For one thing, the improvement in ε_r and high-field D_m originates from the CD-induced polar transition and interface polarization. For another thing, the suppressed dielectric loss and high-field D_r are attributed to the conductive loss depression via the introduction of deep trap levels to capture charges. More importantly, E_b was largely strengthened from 521.9 kV mm⁻¹ to 627.2 kV mm⁻¹ by utilizing the coulomb-blockade effect of CDs to construct energy barriers and impede carrier migration. As a result, compared to the 9.9 J cm⁻³ for pristine PVDF, the highest discharge energy density of 18.3 J cm⁻³ was obtained in a 0.5 wt% CD/PVDF nanocomposite, which is competitive with most analogous PVDF-based nanocomposites. This study demonstrates a new paradigm of organic quantum dot-enhanced ferroelectric polymer-based dielectric energy storage performance and will promote its application for electrostatic film capacitors. Full article