A flexible magneto-electric sensor with enhanced performance through flower-shaped BTO fillers in P(VDF-TrFE) matrix

Abstract

A flexible magneto-electric(ME) sensor, incorporated a piezoelectric layer with flower-shaped Barium Titanate (BTO) fillers(referred as BTFs) in P(VDF-TrFE) matrix and a ferromagnetic Metglas layer[P(VDF-TrFE)@BTFs/Metglas], has been developed. The introduction of flower-shaped BTO fillers enhances the β-phase of P(VDF-TrFE), leading to improved piezoelectric properties. The unique flower-like structure provides a larger specific surface area and increased grain size, resulting in interface asymmetry and creating a more intricate contact interface between P(VDF-TrFE) and Metglas. This strengthens the interaction and facilitates strain transmission, ultimately enhancing the ME coupling performance of the system. Moreover, the flexible ME detector exhibits superior magnetic field detection capabilities, demonstrating enhanced sensitivity and resolution compared to its spherical BTO counterpart. The devices display exceptional linearity, indicating the potential for practical application as magnetic sensors. This research expands the understanding of the complex relationship between filler morphology and P(VDF-TrFE) properties, presenting promising potential for high-performance flexible ME devices.