Enhanced piezoresponse of electrospun PVDF mats with a touch of nickel chloride hexahydrate saltElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr11841f

PVDF nanofibers are prepared using electrospinning. The effect of addition of a hydrated salt, nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl 2 6H 2 O), on the phase formation is examined. Addition of the hydrated salt (NC) is found to enhance the polar phase by about 30%. The peak to peak piezo-voltage generated for PVDF NC is almost 0.762 V, a factor of 3 higher than that for PVDF. The fiber mats exhibit a significantly enhanced dynamic strain sensor response. The voltage generated per unit micro-strain developed during the free vibration test for PVDF was 0.119 mV whereas it was 0.548 mV for PVDF NC, exhibiting a non-linearly enhanced performance vis a vis the increase in the phase component. Electrospinning of PVDF nanofibers with and without addition of a hydrated salt, nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl 2 6H 2 O), exhibited enhanced piezoelectric phase. These fibers mats when used as a strain sensor, showed excellent response and strain sensitivity. The piezo voltage generated could light a commercial LED. These nanofiber devices could have applications in the field of energy converter systems.