Enhancement of $\beta $-phase in PVDF films embedded with ferromagnetic Gd$_{\mathrm{5}}$Si$_{\mathrm{4}}$ nanoparticles for piezoelectric energy harvesting

POSTER

Abstract

Self-polarized Gd5Si4-polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite films have been synthesized via a facile phase-inversion technique. For a 5 wt{\%} Gd5Si4-PVDF film, the enhancement of the piezoelectric $\beta $-phase from 49{\%} for pristine PVDF to 81{\%} for nanocomposite is confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. The Gd5Si4 particles prepared using high-energy ball milling have a particle size of \textasciitilde 470 nm with a high magnetization of 11 emu/g. The analysis of the Gd5Si4-PVDF films revealed a change from diamagnetic behavior to enhanced ferromagnetism when pristine PVDF films are loaded with 2.5 wt{\%} and 5 wt{\%} Gd5Si4 nanoparticles. The increased $\beta $-phase fraction resulting from the addition of magnetic Gd5Si4 nanoparticles to membranes of PVDF paves the way for future efficient energy harvesting applications using a combination of magnetic and piezoelectric effects.

Authors

  • Shane Harstad

    • Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284
    • Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

  • Noel D'Souza

    • Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

  • Navneet Soin

    • Institute of Renewable Energy and Environment Technology, University of Bolton, Bolton, UK

  • Ahmed El-Gendy

    • Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

  • Shalabh Gupta

    • Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Ames Laboratory, US Dept. of Energy, Ames, IA

  • Vitalij Pecharsky

    • Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Ames Laboratory, US Dept. of Energy, Ames, IA

  • Tahir Shah

    • Institute of Renewable Energy and Environment Technology, University of Bolton, Bolton, UK

  • Elias Siores

    • Institute of Renewable Energy and Environment Technology, University of Bolton, Bolton, UK

  • Ravi Hadimani

    • Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA