Investigation of PVDF - TiO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ Nanoparticle Composite Thin Films by XPS, SEM and EDS for Use in the Capacitive Storage of Energy

In this investigation, thin films of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) containing nanoparticles of the ceramic titanium dioxide (TiO$_{\mathrm{2}})$ are synthesized using physical vapor deposition techniques. This combination of materials shows promise for possible use as the dielectric in capacitors, particularly regarding energy storage. This composite approach allows for the integration of complimentary features such as high dielectric permittivity from the integrated nanoparticles and high breakdown strength from the polymer matrix, resulting in a greatly enhanced energy density. Co-deposited films with a TiO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ content up to 8 percent have been synthesized and intermittent contact AFM and elemental mapping from EDS show that the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the material is homogeneous. Analysis from XPS indicates a defluorination of the films (C/F ratio greater than 1) from the deposition process, with the final film being a mixture of PVDF and polyvinyl fluoride (PVD). In addition, other parameters such as the dielectric constant and the breakdown voltage are given.