Multifunctional transducer using poly (vinylidene fluoride) active layerand highly conducting poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) electrode: Actuator and generator

Abstract

Monomorph and bimorph multifunctional transducers such as actuators and generators were fabricated using a piezoelectric poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films as the active layer and a highly conducting poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)∕poly (4-styrenesulfonate) [PEDOT∕PSS (DMSO for solvent)] as the electrode. In order to enhance the adhesion of the films, either the PVDF films or PEDOT∕PSS (DMSO) electrodes were modified using an ion-assisted-reaction (IAR) method. The direct (generator) and inverse piezoelectric (motor) effects as well as the pyroelectric effect in the PVDF-PEDOT∕PSS based devices were observed. The tip displacement of the 12mm by 30mm bimorph device made with the PEDOT∕PSS (DMSO) electrodes was 3.5mm at the resonance frequency with an appled potential of 40Vrms. The sinusoidal output voltage of the bimorph type generator consisting of the PVDF active layers and PEDOT∕PSS (DMSO) electrodes increased with increasing tip displacement induced by a vibrator. A maximum output voltage of 4.1V in the pyroelectric PVDF device was generated with a change in temperature.