Local magnetoelectric effect in Fe2O3/PVDF electrospun nanofibers

Local magnetoelectric interactions in polymer-based nanocomposites remain insufficiently understood at the nanoscale, particularly in systems with spatially heterogeneous distributions of magnetic fillers. This work investigates the local magnetoelectric effect in electrospun α-Fe2O3/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite nanofibers using piezoresponse force microscopy under an applied magnetic field. The incorporation of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles serves a dual role, providing magnetostrictive functionality while promoting the formation of the electroactive β-phase in the PVDF matrix, enabling effective magnetoelectric coupling at the nanoscale. Local magnetoelectric measurements performed under a static magnetic field of 180 mT revealed a pronounced increase in deformation amplitude together with modifications of the polarization behavior. Unlike macroscopic measurements, nanoscale analysis revealed pronounced spatial heterogeneity of the magnetoelectric response, directly associated with the nonuniform distribution of hematite nanoparticles within the PVDF matrix. The practical applicability of the developed composite was further demonstrated through magnetic-field-driven catalytic activity, resulting in up to 49% degradation of methylene blue. The results provide strong evidence for local magnetoelectric coupling in α-Fe2O3/PVDF composite nanofibers and highlight the potential of such nanocomposites for magnetically controlled catalytic and biomedical applications.