In-Plane Oriented Linear Assembly of Te Nanowires in Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Composite Film for the Enhancement of Piezoelectric Property

Abstract

Flexible piezoelectric materials are attractive as empowering devices in the field of sensors, actuators and energy harvesting. Herein, we fabricate a polymer-based nanocomposite with piezoelectric property by incorporation of tellurium (Te) nanowires. Firstly, large-scale selective synthesis of uniform single crystalline tellurium nanowires with a diameter of 150 nm av. and 10 μm av. in length, can be realized by a hydrothermal process. The Te nanowires with random distribution in pre-polymer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is relocated forming linearly aligned assembly controlled by application of external AC electric field. The aligned Te-PDMS at 0.5 wt% Te content gives a maximum output voltage of 13.9 V, which is 2.4-fold comparing corresponding film with random distribution. This work provides an effective alignment of nanofillers in a viscous polymer matrix and noble method to fabricate enhance piezoelectric composite film materials.