Abstract:
In the present thesis, we have focused on polymer-based hybrid nanocomposite films.
This work presents the very small aspect of a much larger issue: Energy crises.
Modern industries of the world are facing crises due to limited fossil fuels,
environmental pollution and the nonavailability of alternate sources of energy. Present
energy sources such as coal, gas and oil are the main sources of energy and are
shrinking day by day. Energy harvesting by small-scale energy can be a good source of
energy which can be achieved by converting ambient energy into useful energy by
self-sustainable devices. So, we are motivated to develop the materials that can be used
for application in piezoelectric energy generators for energy harvesting. Piezoelectric
Polymer Nanocomposites are suitable materials for energy harvesting having high
flexibility, durability, optical and dielectric properties. Polyvinylidene Fluoride
(PVDF) is a piezoelectric polymer having a high piezoelectric constant but we found
that its dielectric and optical properties are not up to scale to use in energy harvesting.
Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) is a carbon material that can enhance the charge
transportation and mechanical strength of the PVDF. However, the dielectric constant
of PVDF/RGO nanocomposites is not improved enough for energy harvesting as it is
directly related to piezoelectric properties. Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is a metal oxide
having a high dielectric constant and is used to increase the dielectric strength of
PVDF/RGO nanocomposites for hybrid nanocomposite PVDF/TiO2/RGO nanocomposites. The development of wireless piezoelectric nanogenerator devices for
energy harvesting can replace conventional harmful battery devices.