Preparation of PVDF nanofibers by optimizing solvent properties: improved solvent viscosity and evaporation rate

Abstract

PVDF nanofibers have been intensively investigated in wearable energy harvesting because of their flexibility and piezoelectric properties. In this study, we prepared PVDF nanofibers by the electrospinning method. Different solvents like DMF and DMF/acetone with the ratio of 6/4, 5/5, and 4/6 were selected to adjust the solvent properties. SEM, FTIR, and DSC characterizations were used to characterize the morphology, structure, and β phase content of PVDF nanofibers. The results demonstrate that the electrospun PVDF nanofibers produced by using DMF/acetone have predominantly a fibre structure and increased β phase compared to electrospun samples using DMF alone as solvent. PVDF nanofibers fabricated by using DMF/acetone with a ratio of 4/6 exhibit the maximum content of β phase and the highest value of piezoelectric coefficient (d33).