Enhancing Piezoelectricity of Polyacrylonitrile–Cellulose Composite Nanofibers via Zigzag Conformation

A novel piezoelectric material, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers, exhibits significant piezoelectric effects when a high content of planar zigzag structures is present. To enhance the contribution of planar zigzag structures to energy conversion while preserving the structure of PAN nanofibers, a novel approach was developed to increase planar zigzag content by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) rather than modifying conventional synthesis conditions. In this study, CNCs were introduced during the electrospinning process of PAN formation, and the increased planar zigzag content was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical characterization, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that CNC addition to PAN enhances the mechanical properties and piezoelectric performance by promoting the formation of zigzag structures, which play a crucial role in the piezoelectric effect. The PAN-CNC composite holds great potential for applications in new piezoelectric devices. With CNC incorporation, the voltage increased by 68.9%, and the current increased by 80% compared to regular PAN. The generated energy is suitable for human applications and can also power commercial devices, making these findings pivotal for the advancement of piezoelectric materials and devices.