Local analysis of crystalline phases and properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrospun composites with BaTiO3 nanorods

This study investigated the influence of barium titanate nanorods (BT rods) on the properties and phase formation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers of composite membranes created using the electrospinning technique. The primary objective was to assess the effect of varying BT nanorod concentrations on the membrane properties. The result shows that inserting BT rods into PVDF increases β‐phase content, which, with an optimal concentration of BT rods, affects the activation energy of thermal degradation resulting in the highest β‐phase content and the lowest activation energy at 3% BT content. Moreover, the electrical output of the samples was measured. Using a ball‐drop test, the sample containing 3 wt% BT rods exhibited the highest output voltage, reaching 1.64 V. The BT rods play a significant role in promoting the β‐phase PVDF molecular chain formation, acting as the polar phase in PVDF and aligning with the polarization direction of the BT rods. According to high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy investigations, crystalline phases of PVDF are strongly correlated with the surface charges of perovskite BT rods. The occurrence of charge on the BT rods significantly contributes to fostering the development of the β‐phase PVDF molecular chain. It essentially performs the function of the polar phase within the PVDF, aligning itself in accordance with the polarization direction inherent to the BT rods. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of incorporating BT rod polar surfaces to interact with PVDF chain dipole moments, promoting β‐phase formation. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry. Illustration of the interaction between barium titanate nanorods (BT rods) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers in composite membranes, highlighting the effect of different BT rod concentrations on membrane properties and crystalline phase formation.