Electrospun organic piezoelectric nanofibers and their energy and bio applications

Piezoelectric materials have long been investigated for their ability to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy (or vice versa). Piezoelectric polymers, while they may not exhibit as excellent properties as ceramics, are non-toxic and highly flexible, allowing them to be utilized in a wider range of applications, including those that require eco-friendly, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and flexibility. While polymer thin films have demonstrated the potential to meet some of the requirements, the significantly inferior piezoelectric properties compared to ceramic counterparts inhibited their exploitation. Electrospinning process not only provides in-situ poling and stretching of the piezoelectric polymer that are typically done post-synthesis to induce the electroactive phase of the polymer, but also allows for various process controls before, during, and after the process to enhance the piezoelectric properties of electrospun nanofibers. Herein, an overview of piezoelectric properties of various electrospun organic nanofibers are provided, and recent progress in its enhancement and optimization is discussed. Additionally, energy- and bio-related applications of electrospun piezoelectric polymer nanofibers are reviewed.