Electrical power generation from piezoelectric electrospun nanofibers membranes: electrospinning parameters optimization and effect of membranes thickness on output electrical voltage

Nanogenerators based on piezoelectric nanofibers capable to scavenging mechanical energy from the environment and converting into usable electrical energy. In this research work, the electrospinning parameters were optimized to produce randomly oriented uniform PVDF nanofiber mats without structural defects. Then, optimized nanofiber membranes with different thickness (110, 220, and 310 μm) were fabricated and their output voltages as a performance factor of the nanogenerator were measured. Results indicated that the nanogenerator based on piezoelectric nanofibers can generate voltage as high as several volts electrical outputs by applying mechanical impact. Finally, to investigate the effect of pure thickness on power harvesting efficiency, output voltages of samples were normalized to thickness. Results showed that in spite of the existed literature, increases in nanofiber membrane’s thickness can lead to decrease the output voltage of nanogenerator. These results imply promising applications for various wearable self-powered electrical devices within the clothing systems.