Piezoelectric Enhancement of Electrospun PVDF / MWCNT Nanofibers Through β‐Phase Optimization

ABSTRACT

Despite their inherent piezoelectricity, the use of electrospun poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers for flexible sensing applications is limited by incomplete β‐phase formation. This study used multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in PVDF to improve structural ordering and electrical response. Under the same conditions, 0.01–0.10 g MWCNT were electrospun in composite solutions. With the increase in nanotube content, structural analysis demonstrated a gradual shift from α to β‐phase. XRD and FTIR confirmed the highest β‐phase fraction of the composite composed of 0.075 g MWCNT. It showed the largest difference. The resulting peak‐to‐peak voltage under cyclic loading was 5.137 V. The magnitude of V is more than twice that of PVDF (1.89 V). Adhesion to nanotubes increased with loading, which lowered performance due to agglomeration effects. The outcomes indicate that the electromechanical response of PVDF nanofibers is positively impacted by the incorporation of MWCNT, which makes them suitable for use in wearable sensors and energy harvesting.