Structural and dielectric properties of electrospun P(VDF-TrFE) and P3HT filled with copper oxide nanofillers

Nanofibers based on polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P(VDF-TrFE)/P3HT) containing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed smooth, bead-free solid nanofibers of 34-100 nm diameters. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows the ferroelectric β phase of P(VDF-TrFE) with a wide diffraction pattern. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of the P(VDF-TrFE) fiber film revealed distinct peaks for the polar β phase, aromatic C-H groups, and alkyl groups. Semiconducting P3HT/CuO increases the dielectric constant of P(VDF-TrFE), inducing polarization at the semiconductor-insulator interface. Two types of dielectric response are observed: β-phase rotation and α to β phase transition. The bulk resistance values show a reduction from 224.5 to 23.8 Ω, suggesting more conductive pathways. Furthermore, incorporating P3HT/CuO into P(VDF-TrFE) enhanced its electrical conductivity from 3.75 × 10³ to 3.40 × 10⁴ S m^-1. This investigation showed that P3HT/CuO-enhanced P(VDF-TrFE) is a viable option for energy harvesting.