Barium Titanate Nanoparticles Research Articles

Wearable Multifunctional Hydrogel for Oral Microenvironment Visualized Sensing Coupled with Sonodynamic Bacterial Elimination and Tooth Whitening.

Bacterial-driven dental caries and tooth discoloration are growing concerns as the most common oral health problems. Current diagnostic methods and treatment strategies hardly allow simultaneous early detection and non-invasive treatment of these oral diseases. Herein, a wearable multifunctional double network hydrogel combined with polyaniline and barium titanate (PANI@BTO) nanoparticles is developed for oral microenvironment visualized sensing and sonodynamic therapy. Due to the colorimetric properties of polyaniline, the hydrogel displays a highly sensitive and selective response for visualized sensing of oral acidic microenvironment. Meanwhile, the barium titanate in the hydrogel efficiently generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultrasound irradiation, realizing non-invasive treatment in the oral cavity. Through bacterial elimination experiments and tooth whitening studies, the hydrogel can achieve the dual effect of effectively inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria and degrading tooth surface pigments. Owing to the visualized sensing of the oral acidic microenvironment and efficient sonodynamic therapy function, the proposed hydrogel system offers a solution for the prevention of caries and tooth whitening, which is promising in developing the biomedical system targeting the simultaneous sensing and therapy for oral diseases.

Unveiling BaTiO3-SrTiO3 as Anodes for Highly Efficient and Stable Lithium-Ion Batteries

Amidst the swift expansion of the electric vehicle industry, the imperative for alternative battery technologies that balance economic feasibility with sustainability has reached unprecedented importance. Herein, we utilized Perovskite-based oxide compounds barium titanate (BaTiO3) and strontium titanate (SrTiO3) nanoparticles as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries from straightforward and standard carbonate-based electrolyte with 10% fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive [1M LiPF6 (1:1 EC: DEC) + 10% FEC]. SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 electrodes can deliver a high specific capacity of 80 mA h g−1 at a safe and low average working potential of ≈0.6 V vs. Li/Li+ with excellent high-rate performance with specific capacity of ~90 mA h g−1 at low current density of 20 mA g−1 and specific capacity of ~80 mA h g−1 for over 500 cycles at high current density of 100 mA g−1. Our findings pave the way for the direct utilization of perovskite-type materials as anode materials in Li-ion batteries due to their promising potential for Li+ ion storage. This investigation addresses the escalating market demands in a sustainable manner and opens avenues for the investigation of diverse perovskite oxides as advanced anodes for next-generation metal-ion batteries.

3D‐Printing of Highly Piezoelectric Barium Titanate Polymer Nanocomposites with Surface‐Modified Nanoparticles at Low Loadings

AbstractThis work describes the development and characterization of tetragonal barium titanate nanoparticles (BTO NPs) and their surface functionalization with dopamine dodecylamine (DDA), a lipophilic organic ligand. The so‐obtained lipophilic NPs (BTO‐DDA) are then formulated at low loadings (< 5 wt.%) into liquid photocurable resins for vat photopolymerization (VP) and 3D printed into solid objects. The printed composites are mechanically characterized in order to assess the effect of the nanomaterial on the mechanical properties of the 3D printed polymer, revealing no significant variations in the mechanical properties (tensile or flexural) of the nanocomposites compared to the original polymer matrix. In light of these results, the printed nanocomposites are studied in terms of their capacity to generate a separation of charge by the piezoelectric effect, typical of the BTO crystal structure. This study reveals that BTO‐loaded nanocomposites display outstanding piezoelectric coefficients as high as 50 pC/N when BTO‐DDA is formulated at 3.0 wt.%, only slightly less than one‐third of the piezoelectric coefficient previously reported for bulk BTO, while preserving the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix.

Exploring Structural and Optical Properties of Nanoparticles of Barium Titanate and Iron doped Barium Titanate and Their Potential Application in Antibacterial Activity

Background: Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) is a good candidate for a variety of applications due to its excellent dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. Methods: Pure and doped Barium Titanate (BTO) nanoparticles have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. Barium hydroxide octahydrate (Ba (OH)2.8H2O) and titanium (IV) iso-propoxide (Ti {OCH[CH3]2}4) were used as starting materials. Apart from pure Barium Titanate nanoparticles, Fe-doped BaTiO3 nanoparticles of three different concentrations: 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 in mol% were prepared and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: From the X-ray diffraction pattern, the particle size was found to be varied in a range of 17-25nm. By using UV visible spectroscopy it was observed that the band gap energy of pure BaTiO3 NP is 3.2eV. As the pure BaTiO3 nanoparticles are doped with 0.1% Fe, the band gap reduces to 3.175eV. For BaTiO3 doped with 0.2% and 0.3% Fe, the band gap energy values are 2.709 and 2.652 respectively. FTIR spectra were used to analyze the vibrational modes of BaTiO3. From the result obtained from FTIR, we can see that the absorption spectrum ranges from 450cm-1-4000cm-1. The prominent peak of pure BaTiO3 is at 500cm-1 which is due to the vibration of the Ti-O band in crystal lattice. For BaTiO3 doped with Fe2O3, the wave number of the absorption peak is shifted from 500cm-1 in pure BaTiO3. The antibacterial studies were conducted on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Both pure and iron-doped Barium Titanate showed significant antibacterial properties, confirming the antibacterial property of Barium Titanate nanoparticles.

High-performance triboelectric nanogenerator with aminated barium titanate composite nanoparticles for early Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

High dielectric constant nanoparticles into polymer matrices have attracted much attention because this process can improve the nanofriction generator performance. However, the dispersion of the developed materials remains a challenge. In this paper, we present a novel high-performance nanofriction generator (FBT-TENG) based on composite nanoparticles of Amino-functionalized barium titanate and functionalized graphite oxide (FGO/ABTO) with Polyimide (PI) as substrate, which can be used as a sensor for intelligent monitoring systems. Specifically, we introduced amino groups on the surface of barium titanate to improve its dispersion in the PI solution, and the dual effect composite with functionalized graphite oxide improved the TENG performance of the PI film. Due to the FGO/ABTO synergy, the FBT-TENG can generate high output voltages, currents and power densities of 75 V, 13 µA and 4.6 W/m2, respectively, which is a 9 times increase in power density compared to the original PI film. FBT-TENG is capable of powering capacitors. In addition, the FBT-TENG can be used as a sensor to build an early Parkinson’s disease detection system, which provides a more convenient option for the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s patients and has the potential for a wide range of medical applications.

Controlling the dielectric constant values of nematic liquid crystals using ferroelectric and multiferroic nanoparticles

Notably, the simultaneous manifestation of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties at ambient temperature has spurred significant interest in incorporating multiferroic bismuth ferrite nanoparticles (BiFeO3) into liquid crystal matrices. In this study, the parallel and perpendicular dielectric components ( and ) and dielectric anisotropy () of two different nanoparticles, barium titanate (BaTiO3) and BiFeO3, doped into E7, were measured at various temperatures and frequencies. Nematic mixture E7, a widely utilized nematic liquid crystal in research and display technologies, is a eutectic mixture composed of four cyanobiphenyl derivatives i.e. 5CB, 7CB, 8OCB, and 5CT. The findings indicate a substantial reduction in dielectric anisotropy upon introducing nanoparticles into the nematic liquid crystal environment. This research highlights the significant influence of barium titanate nanoparticles, which are smaller (approximately 12 nm), on the dielectric constant. This effect was analyzed based on varying concentrations and compared to a nanoparticle with ferroic properties. Moreover, the dielectric constant can be modulated through an alternative approach. Specifically, applying an electric field during the filling process of liquid crystal cells leads to changes in the dielectric constant. These changes, observed for both nanoparticles, were particularly evident at a precise concentration of 0.1 wt%, resulting in a decreased dielectric constant.

A Self‐Powered, Highly Sensitive, and Frequency‐Tunable Triboelectric Acoustic Sensor Inspired by the Human Cochlea

AbstractConventional acoustic sensors used in human–machine interfaces often face challenges such as power supply requirements, limited sensitivity, and inability to tune their frequency response. A self‐powered, highly sensitive, and frequency‐tunable triboelectric acoustic sensor inspired by the human cochlea is introduced. By mimicking hair cells in the organ of Corti, a tapered microhair‐structured ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) and barium titanate nanoparticle (BTNP) composite film is proposed, which demonstrates a 16‐fold increase in triboelectric output voltage (1.3 V) compared to a planar one at 2.8 Pa. Furthermore, inspired by the frequency selectivity of the basilar membrane with gradient structural variations, integrating a mass‐beam diaphragm is proposed with varying kirigami length and circular mass diameter that enables precise tuning of the resonance frequency of the sensor, resulting in a 32 times improvement in sensitivity (860 mV Pa−1) compared to a nonbiomimetic sensor (28 mV Pa−1) and an expanded dynamic range. The proposed sensor differentiates between human voices with different frequencies. A robotic hand integrated with the sensor responds to acoustic stimuli with programmed hand gestures, which highlights its potential in acoustic human–machine interfaces. The biomimetic approach to developing a self‐powered, highly sensitive, and frequency‐tunable acoustic sensor offers new possibilities for intuitive and immersive human–machine interfaces.

Sol-gel hydrothermal synthesis of lead-free BT nanoparticles for enhanced dielectric properties in PVDF nanocomposites

In the present work BaTiO3 nanoparticles (NPs) with different sizes from 150 to 400 nm were prepared by sol–gel hydrothermal method at a temperature lower than 220 °C, and were used as nanofiller for PVDF composites with a loading from 10 to 25 vol%. The morphology of the BT NPs was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and the structural composition was studied by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hydrothermal temperature was found to control both the size as well as the phase composition of the BT NPs.The PVDF/BT nanocomposites exhibit enhanced dielectric permittivity and reduced loss tangent, especially with 20 vol% NPs, which contributes to the improvement of the ferroelectric properties. The inclusion of BT in PVDF matrix enhances also the crystallinity of PVDF by acting as a nucleating agent, which further increases the stiffness of the composite. However, at higher volume loading, the reverse tendency was observed with a huge decrease in the PVDF crystallinity at 25 vol%. The simulated PE loop was also investigated for the different loadings mentioned above using an Ising type model based on a 2D lattice and solved by monte-Carlo metropolis method. The results are in good agreement with the experimental results for the polarization hysteresis loops.

Breaking the Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Chain: Piezocatalytic Decomposition of PFOS Using BaTiO3 Nanoparticles

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose significant environmental and health risks due to their ubiquitous presence and persistence in water systems. Herein, the efficacy of piezocatalysis using barium titanate nanoparticles under ultrasound irradiation for the degradation and defluorination of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water is investigated. The research demonstrates a substantial 90.5% degradation and 29% defluorination of PFOS after 6 h of treatment, highlighting the potential of piezocatalysis as a promising approach for PFAS degradation. Additionally, the quantification of degradation products elucidates the transformation pathways of PFOS, suggesting a stepwise chain‐shortening mechanism. The findings underscore the importance of continued research in optimizing piezocatalytic processes and exploring synergistic approaches with other advanced oxidation methods to effectively address PFAS contamination challenges. These efforts are essential for advancing sustainable water treatment strategies and mitigating the environmental and health hazards associated with PFAS contamination.

Structural, optical, and morphological properties of PVC-BaTiO3 nanocomposite films

This work aims to fabricate barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles and study the effect of adding different contents of BaTiO3 nanoparticles on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of PVC polymer matrices. The PVC/BaTiO3 nanocomposite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, and SEM. In addition, dielectric properties were studied within the frequency range of 0.1 KHz–6 MHZ. The XRD analysis reveals an amorphous nature of pure PVC with two characteristic peaks at 2θ = 17.09° and 2θ = 23.25°, and it reveals that BaTiO3 has sharp and narrow peaks. In PVC/BaTiO3 nanocomposite films, all XRD peaks of BaTiO3 appeared in all the samples with an increase in the average particle size from ∼46 nm to 55 nm. There is no shift of IR position in PVC bands, but the decreased intensity of some bands suggests complexation between PVC and BaTiO3. The UV–visible absorption spectrum of pure PVC has a band at λ = 278 nm. This band was shifted to 252 nm after adding BaTiO3 content. UV–visible transmission spectra demonstrate a decrease in the transmittance as an increase of BaTiO3 content from 89.23 % for pure PVC to 5.23 % for 0.1 wt% of BaTiO3. The values of the optical bandgap decrease with increasing BaTiO3 contents due to defect formation in PVC matrices. The optical parameters of the prepared nanocomposite films were also enhanced. The AC conductivity shows an increase with both frequency and BaTiO3 concentration, leading to enhanced movement of charge carriers and relaxation of interface polarization.

A strategy to predict the current conduction mechanisms into Al/PVP:Gr-BaTiO3/p-Si Schottky structure using Artificial Neural Network

In this work, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithm is used to predict the current conduction mechanisms into the metal-semiconductor (MS) and metal-nanocomposite-semiconductor (MPS) structures along with their primary electronic parameters, such as the leak current (I0), potential barrier height (ΦB0), ideality factor (n), series/shunt resistance (Rs/Rsh), rectifying ratio (RR), and interface states density (Nss) by analyzing the I–V characteristics. The polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), barium titanate (BaTiO3) and graphene (Gr) nanoparticles are mixed together to create the interfacial nanocomposite layer. Training data for ANN algorithm is gathered using the thermionic emission hypothesis. In order to study the efficacy of the ANN model, the predictive power of the ANN technique for predicting the current conduction mechanisms and electronic properties of SDs has been assessed by comparing the predicted and experimental results. The ANN predictions of the current conduction mechanisms at the forward/reverse bias and the fundamental electronic specifications of the MS and MPS structures are a high level of agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the results show that the RR and Rsh rise whereas the n, Rs, and Nss for MS structure decrease when the PVP:Gr-BaTiO3 nanocomposite interlayer is employed.

Constructing polyimide-based nanocomposite dielectrics with superior high‐temperature energy storage performance via using ternary structure strategy

To maintain low leakage current and energy storage stability of polyimide at high temperature and electric field, ternary structure strategy is used to construct polyimide-based nanocomposite dielectrics, relating to cross-linked structure, sandwich structure and inorganic filler structure. Based on synergistic effect, energy storage properties of crosslinked polyimide-based sandwich‐structured nanocomposite films is significantly improved, in which cross-linked polyimide composited layers with 2 wt% hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets are selected as two outer insulating layers and cross-linked polyimide composited layer with 1 wt% barium titanate nanoparticles is employed as central polarization layer. When volume ratio of middle polarization layer is 10 % (denoted as N-10 T-N), the maximum Ud of 11.6 J/cm3 and η of 87 % are achieved at room temperature. At 150 °C, the Ud of N-10 T-N is 5.1 J/cm3. This study provides the experience for the development of polyimide dielectrics with high capacitive properties over a wide temperature range.

Mechanical energy drives the growth and carbon fixation of electroactive microorganisms

Phototrophy and chemotrophy are two dominant types of microbial metabolism. However, to date, the potential of the ubiquitous and versatile mechanical energy as a renewable energy source to drive the growth of microorganisms has remained unknown and not utilized. Here, we present evidence in favor of a previously unidentified metabolic pathway, in which the electronic energy produced from mechanical energy by the piezoelectric materials is used to support the growth of microorganisms. When electroactive microorganism Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris; with barium titanate nanoparticles) was mechanically stirred, a powerful biohybrid piezoelectric effect (BPE) enabled sustainable carbon fixation coupled with nitrate reduction. Transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that mechanical stirring of the bacteria–barium titanate biohybrid led to upregulation of genes encoding functions involved in electron and energy transfer in R. palustris. Studies with other electroactive microorganisms suggested that the ability of microbes to utilize BPE may be a common phenomenon in the microbial world. Taken together, these findings imply a long-neglected and potentially important microbial metabolic pathway, with potential importance to microbial survival in the energy-limited environments.

Engineering 3D Scaffold-Free Nanoparticle-Laden Stem Cell Constructs for Piezoelectric Enhancement of Human Neural Tissue Formation and Function.

Electrical stimulation (ES) of cellular systems can be utilized for biotechnological applications and electroceuticals (bioelectric medicine). Neural cell stimulation especially has a long history in neuroscience research and is increasingly applied for clinical therapies. Application of ES via conventional electrodes requires external connectors and power sources, hindering scientific and therapeutic applications. Here engineering novel 3D scaffold-free human neural stem cell constructs with integrated piezoelectric nanoparticles for enhanced neural tissue induction and function is described. Tetragonal barium titanate (BaTi03) nanoparticles are employed as piezoelectric stimulators prepared as cytocompatible dispersions, incorporated into 3D self-organizing neural spheroids, and activated wirelessly by ultrasound. Ultrasound delivery (low frequency; 40kHz) is optimized for cell survival, and nanoparticle activation enabled ES throughout the spheroids during differentiation, tissue formation, and maturation. The resultant human neural tissues represent the first example of direct tissue loading with piezoelectric particles for ensuing 3D ultrasound-mediated piezoelectric enhancement of human neuronal induction from stem cells, including augmented neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis. It is anticipated that the platform described will facilitate advanced tissue engineering and in vitro modeling of human neural (and potentially non-neural) tissues, with modeling including tissue development and pathology, and applicable to preclinical testing and prototyping of both electroceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Influence of bonding variance on electron affinity in graphene quantum dot-barium titanate nanocomposites for drug delivery system

Although chemotherapy remains a prevalent option in cancer treatment, its adverse effects on normal cells and suboptimal pharmacokinetics often limits its effectiveness. To address these challenges, this study successfully developed a new multifunctional drug delivery system comprising a covalent composite of graphene quantum dots and barium titanate nanoparticles. Notably, despite numerous reports on the surface modification of graphene quantum dots, studies focusing on cancer cell inhibition via different covalent bonds are scarce. To bridge this gap, this system was synthesized using eco-friendly esterification and amidation pathways. The anticancer drug doxorubicin was employed as a model drug, and hyaluronic acid was used to encapsulate the delivery system, enhancing its sustained release capabilities. Comprehensive material characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of the system. Its high drug loading capacity and acid-sensitive release can be attributed to the unique structure of the graphene quantum dots. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo biological evaluations not only demonstrated the system’s remarkable cancer inhibition efficacy but also accentuated the distinct impacts of the two bonding types. The underlying mechanism is believed to involve bonding affinity and electron transfer, findings that are corroborated by the experimental data. Additionally, results from animal models provide clear evidence for the potential application of this system (HA-DOX-GQD@BTNPs) in cancer therapeutics and imaging. In conclusion, this research elucidates the variances in drug carrier efficacy based on different covalent bond modifications for cancer treatment and introduces a novel drug delivery system that synergistically combines imaging and targeting capabilities.

Preparation of High-Performance Barium Titanate Composite Hydrogels by Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Frontal Polymerization.

This study aimed to develop composite hydrogels with exceptional piezoelectric properties and pressure sensitivity. To achieve the objective, this study created a deep eutectic solvent (DES) by mixing choline chloride (ChCl), acrylamide (AM), and acrylic acid (AA). Barium titanate nanoparticles (BTNPs) were incorporated as fillers into the deep eutectic solvents (DES) to synthesize the composite hydrogels using frontal polymerization (FP). The mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the resulting composite hydrogels were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study found that the BTNPs/P(AM-co-AA) composite hydrogels exhibited excellent mechanical and piezoelectric properties. This is attributed to the high dielectric constant of BTNPs and the electrode polarization phenomenon when subjected to pressure. With a BTNPs content of 0.6 wt%, the maximum compressive strength increased by 3.68 times compared with the hydrogel without added BTNPs. Moreover, increasing the BTNPs content to 0.6 wt% resulted in a 1.48 times increase in generated voltage under the same pressure, compared with the hydrogel with only 0.2 wt% BTNPs. This study provides a method for preparing composite hydrogels with outstanding piezoelectric properties and pressure sensitivity.

Ultrahigh Dielectric Energy Density and Efficiency in PEI‐Based Gradient Layered Polymer Nanocomposite

AbstractDielectrics with high‐energy‐storage performance are highly desired for increasing compact‐size energy storage, and integration of modern power electronics. However, an ever‐existing challenge is to achieve both high efficiency (η) and high energy density (Ue). Here, a gradient‐layered (five‐layer) polyetherimide (PEI)‐based nanocomposite is presented. Different from traditional layered structures (modulation of filler volume fraction), multistage gradient interfaces are constructed by modulating the particle sizes of barium titanate nanoparticles (BaTiO3 NPs) to decrease sequentially from top to bottom. In this structure, three BaTiO3 NPs/PEI layers are clamped by two boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs)/PEI layers. It is demonstrated that the gradient structure can suppress breakdown and confer high interfacial polarization, simultaneously. Consequently, the nanocomposite possesses an enhanced Ue of 16.38 J cm−3, and an ultrahigh η of 97.79%, far exceeding previously reported polymer nanocomposites. Furthermore, this nanocomposite also demonstrates satisfactory high‐temperature energy storage performances, achieving a Ue of 7.36 J cm−3 and an η of 83.12% at 150 °C. This gradient layered structure design opens a new way to explore high‐performance dielectric polymer nanocomposite with both ultrahigh Ue and η.

“Enhancing heat transfer in high-pressure transformers: A study on nanoparticle-doped insulating fluids”

The impact of doping electrical insulating fluids with nanoparticles on the thermal characteristics of the resulting nanofluids and heat transfer for cooling high-power transformers is covered in this study. The base fluid in this case was the synthetic ester. It investigated how adding Barium titanate (BaTiO3)nanoparticles to dielectric fluids affected thermal characteristics, including convection and thermal conductivity. Comparisons were made between the cooling performance of basic fluids and nanofluids. An examination of the Rayleigh and Nusselt values confirms this comparison. The effects were represented as functions of the solid volume particle from the nanoparticles (0 ≤ φ < 10 %) and the thermal Rayleigh number (Rat = 103 and 106). The findings demonstrate that increasing the solid particle size of nanoparticles by 10 % increases the employed liquid's effectiveness as a conductor and raises the heat transfer rate by about 10 % compared to the base liquid.

Reprocessing, shape recovery and dielectric properties of nanocomposites of Polyhydroxyurethane with barium Titanate

Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVPy) chains were grafted onto the surfaces of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles via the surface-initiated living/controlled radical polymerization of N-vinyl pyrrolidone. The PVPy-grafted BaTiO3 nanoparticles were then incorporated into a crosslinked polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) which was derived from bis(six-membered) cyclic carbonate and a triamine (i.e., Jeffamine T400). It was found that BaTiO3 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed into the PHU matrix. The generation of nanocomposites resulted that the glass transition temperatures (Tg’s) and mechanical properties were significantly enhanced. In the meantime, the nanocomposites had the dielectric properties superior to control PHU; the shape memory properties of the materials were significantly improved in terms of response, fixity of transient shape and recovery of the original shapes. Thanks to transcarbamoylation of hydroxyurethane structural units, the crosslinked nanocomposites can be reprocessed at elevated temperature. It was found that dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) was an effective catalyst to decrease the Arrhenius activation energy of the dynamic reaction; the reprocessing of the nanocomposites can be carried out at the temperature as low as 120 °C.

Advanced 3D-printed PVDF/BT piezoelectric energy harvester with a bio-inspired 3D structure for a self-powered smart mouse

Piezoelectric polymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) exhibit remarkable flexibility, lightweight, durability, and biocompatibility compared to their ceramic counterparts. This unique characteristic makes them highly suitable for harvesting mechanical vibrations. However, conventional manufacturing methods mainly result in two-dimensional (2D) piezoelectric energy harvester (PEHs) structures. This confines the internal stress and, as a result, limits their potential voltage output. This study introduces an innovative bio-inspired three-dimensional (3D) structure crafted through fused deposition modeling (FDM). Barium titanate (BT) nanoparticles were added as piezoelectric fillers to improve the performance of the PEH. The obtained nanocomposite was poled under optimal poling conditions, achieving a β-phase fraction of 95,72 %, a piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) of 28 pC/N, and a permittivity of 24.2 at 100 Hz. A parametric study was performed through numerical analysis, resulting in an effective and optimized structural configuration. The combined excellent piezoelectric properties of the nanocomposite with the optimized structure enabled the PEH to generate an open-circuit voltage of 30.8 V, enabling it to charge a commercial 1 μF capacitor to 25 V in just 260 s. The bioinspired PEH demonstrates its practical application by powering an innovative device known as the "smart mouse," showcasing its utility and potential in real-world applications.