Enhanced Piezoelectric Performance of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Nanocomposites with Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanowires and Branched Carbon Nanotubes via Melt Mixing Process

Abstract This study presents the development of high‐performance poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based piezoelectric nanocomposites incorporating branched carbon nanotubes (bCNTs) and zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) through a scalable melt mixing process. ZnONWs with uniform morphology (mean diameter: 36.5 nm) are successfully synthesized and characterized. FTIR analysis confirms that incorporating bCNTs into PVDF significantly enhances the β‐phase content, while adding ZnO NWs (1–10 wt.%) resulted in progressive intensification of β‐phase characteristic peaks, with higher ZnO content showing stronger electroactive phase formation. The optimized composition (PVDF/0.5 wt.% bCNTs/5 wt.% ZnO NWs) demonstrates superior piezoelectric performance with a power density of 5.62 µW cm − 2 , voltage output of 1.55 V, and current output of 14.48 µA. Moreover, the composite exhibits excellent mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 48 MPa and maintains stable performance under cyclic loading. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect between bCNTs and ZnO NWs, optimal β‐phase formation, and efficient charge transfer pathways. This study demonstrates the potential of melt‐mixed PVDF nanocomposites for practical energy harvesting applications.