Flexible self-powered photodetector with synergic execution of piezoelectric and triboelectric effects in 2D g-C₃N₄ and WS₂ filled PVDF-HFP matrix

Abstract We report the development of flexible single-electrode hybrid nanogenerator (SHNG) working under the synergic influence of piezoelectric and triboelectric mechanisms for efficient photodetection applications. The active material has been optimized by varying g-C 3 N 4 and WS 2 content in host PVDF-HFP matrix and the interaction of these components with the host polymer has been established through spectroscopic techniques. Apart from exhibiting broad absorption characteristics, the incorporation of 2D layers within the polymer modifies the dielectric property of the host by introducing interfacial polarization. Such microstructural modification elevates the piezoelectric output of the polymer (to ∼29 V) and subsequently boosts the triboelectric property exhibiting a maximum output of ∼40 V. On the other hand, deployment of the composite material as active layer and a Polypropylene counter-layer in the SHNG, self-powered photodetection has been witnessed. The distinct light absorption characteristics of g-C 3 N 4 and WS 2 offer a broadband photodetection range with a photoresponsivity of ∼1.2 × 10 4 V W −1 under visible light (∼590 nm). Further modification of the filling materials and device architecture may be beneficial to achieve wearable hybrid nanogenerators for real-time photodetection application in everyday life.