On the structural, dielectric and energy storage behaviour of PVDF- CaCu3Ti4O12 nanocomposite films

Polyvinyline fluroide- CaCu3Ti4O12 (PVDF-CCTO) nanocomposite films have been fabricated by solution casting method, where CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) nanopowder is incorporated in PVDF polymer matrix. Synthesized films have been structurally, morphologically, and electrically characterized. Dielectric constant of PVDF-CCTO nanocomposite is found to increase with increase in loading of CCTO nanopowder in the frequency range 100 Hz - 1 MHz. Obtained dielectric constant of composites has also been fitted in various theoretical models. Unlike dielectric behaviour, polarization does not show the ordered variation with the loading of CCTO nanopowder. PVDF-CCTO nanocomposite with 8 vol% of CCTO exhibits highest saturation and remnant polarization 1.7 μC/cm2 at 500 kV/cm and 0.6 μC/cm2, respectively. It also possesses highest discharge energy density 0.85 J/cc at 500 kV/cm and energy efficiency of ~65% at 100 kV/cm. Enhanced energy density and polarization are attributed to increase dipole moment due to ordering of α, β, γ-phases of PVDF in PVDF-CCTO nanocomposite films. •PVDF-CCTO nanocomposite films by solution casting method.•Nanocomposite film with 8 vol% loading of CCTO exhibits highest saturation and remanant polarization.•It also possesses highest discharge energy density and energy efficiency.