Highly porous piezoelectric PVDF membrane as effective lithium ion transfer channels for enhanced self-charging power cell

A self-charging power cell (SCPC) is a structure that hybridizes the mechanisms for energy conversion and storage into one process through which mechanical energy can be directly converted into electrochemical energy. A key structure of an SCPC is the use of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezo-separator. Herein, we have fabricated a piezoelectric β-form PVDF separator with a highly porous architecture by introducing ZnO particles. The electrochemical charge/discharge performance of this SCPC was greatly enhanced at lower discharge rates compared to highly stretched (high-β-content) or less porous PVDF membranes. The lower charge-transfer resistance of this well-developed porous piezo-separator is the main factor that facilitated the transport of Li+ ions without sacrificing piezoelectric performance. This study reveals a novel approach for improving the performance of SCPCs. [Display omitted] •A self-charging power cell based on highly porous PVDF piezoseparator hybridizes energy conversion and storage into one process.•Well-developed porous structure of piezoseparator provides effective Li+ ions transfer channels without sacrificing piezoelectric performance.•Enhanced electrochemical charge/discharge performances are attributable to the lower charge transfer resistance of porous PVDF separator.