Enhanced Performance Based on the Synergistic Effect of Three-Phase Nanocomposite-rGO-ZnO Nanowires Embedded in the PVDF Matrix as a Power Source for Low-Powered Portable Electronic Devices

In this study, a piezoelectric–triboelectric hybrid nanogenerator based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and zinc oxide nanowires (ZnONWs) has been developed. A comparison study with different weight percentages of rGO-ZnONWs in the PVDF matrix was done. Thereby, the optimized nanocomposite film used as a piezoelectric layer of the hybrid device showed the highest piezoelectric properties along with triboelectric properties. The synergistic combination of these two material features results in the enhanced output performance of the hybrid nanogenerator. The microstructural and morphological characteristics of rGO-ZnONWs and the composite films were thoroughly studied. The hybrid nanogenerator with 3 wt % of rGO-ZnONW exhibited an output voltage of 135 V, a maximum current of 73 μA, and a maximum power density of 586 μW/cm2. Due to the low cost, light weight, sustainability, biocompatibility, and excellent energy conversion efficiency of the optimized flexible device, it exhibited excellent application in portable wearable electronics and self-powered systems.