Gd5Si4-PVDF nanocomposite films and their potential for triboelectric energy harvesting applications

The triboelectric energy generators prepared using the combination of self-polarized, high β-phase nanocomposite films of Gd5Si4-PVDF and polyamide-6 (PA-6) films have generated significantly higher voltage of ∼425 V, short-circuit current density of ∼30 mA/m2 and a charge density of ∼116.7 μC/m2 as compared to corresponding values of ∼300 V, 30 mA/m2 and 94.7 μC/m2, respectively for the pristine PVDF-(PA-6) combination. The magnetic measurements of the Gd5Si4-PVDF films display a ferromagnetic behavior as compared to diamagnetic nature of pristine PVDF. The presence of magnetic nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix allows for some control over the microstructural properties during the preparation process. The results open new routes for multiferroic composite films to be suitable for multi-functional magnetic and triboelectric energy harvesting applications.