Independent Evaluation of Pyroelectric and Triboelectric Properties in <scp>PVDF</scp> / <scp>PZT</scp> Composite Films

ABSTRACT Nanogenerators based on pyroelectric and triboelectric effects offer excellent output performance and mechanical flexibility, making them promising for self‐powered sensing and energy harvesting applications. The novelty of this study is strengthened by the relatively limited prior research addressing these distinct effects separately, emphasizing its potential for advancing multifunctional energy harvesting technologies. In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride/lead zirconium titanate (PVDF/PZT) composite films were fabricated to independently harness thermal and mechanical energy for electrical energy generation. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed enhanced β ‐phase formation, with the 5 wt% PZT‐loaded film (within a 15 wt% PVDF matrix) exhibiting the highest β ‐phase content and improved crystallinity compared to 10 and 15 wt% PZT compositions. A phase‐sensitive method was utilized to evaluate the pyroelectric current of both pristine PVDF and its composite films, where the 5 wt% PZT composite demonstrated a pyroelectric energy conversion figure of merit of 0.416%. Triboelectric testing also showed enhanced charge generation for the same composition, confirming 5 wt% PZT as an efficient hybrid material capable of harvesting thermal as well as mechanical energy. The 5% PZT composite exhibits a peak‐to‐peak open‐circuit voltage (V PP ) of 6.8 V and an output current (I oc ) of 5.6 nA.