Stretchable electrospun PVDF/TPU nanofibers membranes: Acoustic signals detectors

• Published in: MRS energy & sustainability 2024-09, Vol.11 (2), p.659-668
• Main Authors: Nair, Remya, El-kadery, Alaa, Khalil, Alaa M., El-kaliuoby, Mai I., Kandas, Ishac, Jain, Ankur, Omran, Nada, Gamal, Mohammed, Noman, Sara, Magdy, Germein, Maree, Kareem, El-Khatib, Ahmed M., Hassanin, Ahmed H., Shyha, Islam, Jaradat, Suha, Al-Dubai, Ahmed, Trabelsi, Mohamed, Al Othman, Basil, Shehata, Nader
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustics; Carbon footprint; Chemistry and Materials Science; Clean energy; Clean technology; Economics and Management; Elasticity; Electric fields; Electrospinning; Energy; Energy distribution; Energy harvesting; Energy loss; Energy Materials; Energy Policy; Energy sources; Energy transmission; Environmental impact; Flexibility; Green energy; Manufacturing; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Mechanical properties; Membranes; Morphology; Nanocomposites; Nanofibers; Nanogenerators; Original Research; Piezoelectricity; Polymers; Polyurethane; Polyurethane resins; Polyvinyl alcohol; Polyvinylidene fluorides; Renewable and Green Energy; Renewable energy; Sensors; Signal detectors; Signal generation; Sound waves; Spectrum analysis; Stretchability; Supply chains; Sustainable Development; Sustainable energy; Urethane thermoplastic elastomers
• ISSN: 2329-2237; 2329-2229; 2329-2237
• DOI: 10.1557/s43581-024-00111-4

Devices that harvest energy are crucial for reducing reliance on energy transmission and distribution systems. This helps minimize energy loss and mitigate environmental impacts. In this study, we focused on manufacturing nanocomposites using various ratios of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). PVDF, a flexible polymer, shows promise for nanogenerator applications, especially if its piezoelectric properties are enhanced. The nanofiber mat used as a transducer converts sound into electrical signals. We examined the electrical output from auditory signal excitation, analyzing the frequency of applied acoustic signals. The detected electrical signal was compared to the acoustic input signal in terms of frequency and wave distortion. PVDF, known for its piezoelectric capability, can convert mechanical or acoustic stress into electrical voltage. TPU, known for its exceptional flexibility, is widely used in the plastics sector. Our research explored the piezoresponse of nanofiber membranes with different PVDF/TPU ratios. TPU’s superior mechanical stretchability enhances the piezoelectric sensitivity of PVDF/TPU nanofiber mats. This study introduces a novel application of piezoelectric electrospinning nanofiber membranes as acoustic signal detectors. Our results demonstrate that these membranes provide a promising, cost-effective, and innovative solution for capturing acoustic signals. Graphical abstract Highlights Manufacturing nanofibers from piezoelectric materials, studying the effects of mechanical loads and sound waves on these fibers, and enhancing their functional properties by adding TPU to increase flexibility for use in sensing and energy applications. Discussion Our findings support the growing interest of green energy and energy harvesting new trends as it focuses on the conversion of kinetic and acoustic energies into electrical energy, thereby promoting sustainable energy sources. The obtained date paves the way for next generation disruptive and sustainable schemes for extracting acoustic signals for potential market development in the supply chains involved usage of piezoelectric membrane in acoustic detector, energy harvesting from sounds, and wearable electronics sensors. On focus of the assessments of PVDF/TPU nanofiber membranes as acoustic signal detectors, this research opens the need of collaborative research between academic and industrial communities to addressing carbon footprints and socio-economic imp