Synthesis and characterization of barium titanate nanoplatelets/polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposite for piezoelectric properties

Abstract Barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) nanostructures with a tetragonal structure have unique mechanical and piezoelectric properties. BaTiO 3 nanoplatelets (BTNPs) were synthesized via the precipitation of the hydroxide (Ba‐Ti‐OH) precursor, which was subsequently subjected to hydrothermal treatment. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) granules and BTNPs powder were compounded through melt‐mixing within a laboratory internal mixer to PVDF/BTNP nanocomposite. The dispersion of BTNPs were analyzed using FE‐SEM images. The examination of the polycrystalline structure of a PVDF/BTNP nanocomposite involved the utilization of FTIR, DSC, and XRD measurements. Further, the tensile test was carried out to study the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The piezoelectric tests showed that the PVDF nanocomposite with 10 wt.% of BTNP exhibited the highest output voltage and current due to its maximum crystallinity. The measured current increased from 0.03 μA for PVDF to 0.22 μA for PVDF/BTNP nanocomposite and further to 0.34 after polling. PVDF's piezoelectric properties experienced an 11‐fold enhancement due to alterations in its crystalline structure. Power density improved by 644% (7.5 times), and piezoelectric sensitivity rose by 173%. Consequently, the PVDF/BTNP nanocomposite demonstrates significant potential for applications in electronics and energy harvesting. Highlights Unique Tetragonal nanoplatelets produced via controlled BTNP synthesis. 10% BTNP enhances nanocomposite crystallinity by 22.7% PVDF‐10 displays increase in both voltage and current, enhancing piezoelectricity. Nanocomposites show promise for energy and electronics.