Development of Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Using PU-PVDF Polymer Blend for Efficient Energy Harvesting

Flexible and lightweight energy-harvesting materials are essential for the next generation of self-powered electronic devices. This study reports the fabrication and characterization of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyurethane (PU) blend-based piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) using the solvent casting technique. PVDF offers good piezoelectricity but is brittle in nature, whereas PU imparts elasticity and mechanical toughness. PVDF:PU composites of varying compositions (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40) were synthesized and analyzed with the help of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA/DTA). 90:10 PVDF?PU blend had the largest β-phase fraction, improved thermal stability, and best electrical performance, showing an open-circuit voltage of 5.58 V and a current output of 5.56 μA. Capacitor charge tests validated its ability to retain the charged energy. PVDF/PU nanocomposite showed remarkable flexibility and efficiency, suitable for wearable and self-powered electronics.