Monolithic Integration of Printable PVDF‐TrFE Piezoelectric Multifunctional Devices: From Sensing to Actuation

Abstract This study demonstrates the development of multifunctional printable piezoelectric actuators using PVDF‐TrFE and PEDOT:PSS, capable of operating at low voltages and supporting a wide range of applications. By leveraging the high piezoelectric coefficient of PVDF‐TrFE and the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS, the actuators exhibit stable performance with precise inkjet printing deposition and optimized waveform parameters. The fabrication process integrates inkjet printing and standard lithography, enabling monolithic integration for high‐performance actuation and multifunctional sensing. The PVDF‐TrFE‐based actuators achieve low‐voltage operation (as low as 50 V), efficient energy transfer, and mechanical stability. Enhancing the beta phase of PVDF‐TrFE resulted in a deflection of ≈600 µm and vortex generation, crucial for lift in aerial robotic applications. Durability tests confirmed minimal performance degradation after 2,300 actuation cycles. Beyond mechanical deflection, the actuators exhibit sound detection and strain sensing capabilities. Experimental evaluations validated their ability to differentiate sound frequencies, detect muscle strain, and replicate bio‐inspired flight dynamics. A preliminary proof of concept for a double‐wing structure demonstrated lift generation at low voltages and resonant frequencies. The results indicate that these piezoelectric actuators are well‐suited for miniaturized robotic applications, particularly in aerial locomotion and multifunctional sensing, opening new possibilities for innovations in micro‐robotics, wearables, and aerial robotics.

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Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2024-11-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202413500
Citations
15
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.77

Funders

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Monolithic Integration of Printable PVDF‐TrFE Piezoelectric Multifunctional Devices: From Sensing to Actuation

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article

Monolithic Integration of Printable PVDF‐TrFE Piezoelectric Multifunctional Devices: From Sensing to Actuation

Olav Hellwig, Vineeth Kumar Bandari, Yeji Lee, Rico Ehrler, Oliver G. Schmidt, Robert Thalheim, Klaus Stöwe, Varun Paul Paliakkara, Sheila Monteiro Augusto, Sebastian Amann
article en
15 citations

Abstract

Abstract This study demonstrates the development of multifunctional printable piezoelectric actuators using PVDF‐TrFE and PEDOT:PSS, capable of operating at low voltages and supporting a wide range of applications. By leveraging the high piezoelectric coefficient of PVDF‐TrFE and the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS, the actuators exhibit stable performance with precise inkjet printing deposition and optimized waveform parameters. The fabrication process integrates inkjet printing and standard lithography, enabling monolithic integration for high‐performance actuation and multifunctional sensing. The PVDF‐TrFE‐based actuators achieve low‐voltage operation (as low as 50 V), efficient energy transfer, and mechanical stability. Enhancing the beta phase of PVDF‐TrFE resulted in a deflection of ≈600 µm and vortex generation, crucial for lift in aerial robotic applications. Durability tests confirmed minimal performance degradation after 2,300 actuation cycles. Beyond mechanical deflection, the actuators exhibit sound detection and strain sensing capabilities. Experimental evaluations validated their ability to differentiate sound frequencies, detect muscle strain, and replicate bio‐inspired flight dynamics. A preliminary proof of concept for a double‐wing structure demonstrated lift generation at low voltages and resonant frequencies. The results indicate that these piezoelectric actuators are well‐suited for miniaturized robotic applications, particularly in aerial locomotion and multifunctional sensing, opening new possibilities for innovations in micro‐robotics, wearables, and aerial robotics.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 35(3)
Fudan University (CN), Chemnitz University of Technology (DE), Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems (DE)
Technische Universität Chemnitz, European Commission, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, H2020 European Research Council
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
2.77
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