Generating Power Enhancement of Flexible PVDF Generator by Incorporation of CNTs and Surface Treatment of PEDOT:PSS Electrodes

Two approaches are proposed for enhancing the generating power of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flexible generator by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ethylene glycol (EG) treatment of the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes. By incorporating CNTs into the PVDF polymer, higher portion of β‐phase PVDF can be obtained, which shows higher piezoelectricity resulting in higher electric charge generating performance. Higher conductivity is also obtained by surface treatment of the PEDOT:PSS electrodes using EG solvent due to the removal of excess PSS in the electrodes. Highly conductive electrode makes effective mobility of charges generated from the CNT/PVDF film, resulting in higher generating performance. Consequently, higher generating performance can be achieved by collaborating the above two approaches. The β‐phase polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a polymer with piezoelectricity resulting in use of electric power generator. Carbon nanotubes introduced as filler in the PVDF composite can derive the β‐phase PVDF without any additional processes, consequently enhance the generating efficiency of the flexible generator.