Enhanced piezoelectric and photocatalytic performance of flexible energy harvester based on CsZn0.75Pb0.25I3/CNC–PVDF composite nanofibers

The development of high-performance, bio-energy-harvesting and green energy production materials remains a major objective. Perovskite quantum dots have been recently emerging as a potentially relevant material because of their outstanding optoelectronic properties; however, some issues regarding instability and environmental impact remains as stumbling blocks. This research presents a promising and facile method for incorporating lead toxicity reduced inorganic perovskite quantum dots (IPQDs; CsPb0.25Zn0.75I3) with eco-friendly cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) ligands into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) electrospun nanofibers (PPNG) forming potential piezoelectric and pyroelectric applications. Applying distinct pressures through finger tapping, air pressure, hand bending, fist beating, and foot striking generates intriguing self-powered energy harvesting sensory performances. PPNG produces stable and sensitive signals with highest open-circuit voltage of 20.3 V, short circuit current of 1.2 μA cm−2, and power density of 29.0 μW cm−3. Furthermore, the material was found to be successful in pyrocatalytic decay of Rhodamine-B dye; the maximum dye decay was 91% and it exhibits five reusable cycles with ultra-low lead leakages (<1 ppm) because of the photo thermal property of the IPQDs, and excellent stability offered by dual encapsulation. The wearable and durable performances exhibited by the PPNGs can potentially bring limelight in the fabrication of scalable wearable optoelectronic device.