Interface modulation in multi-layered BaTiO3 nanofibers/PVDF using the PVP linker layer as an adhesive for high energy density capacitor applications

Abstract

In this work, we have studied the role of a linker across the interface in a multi-layered polymer nanocomposite-based capacitor using barium titanate (BT) nanofibers (NFs) as nanofillers and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the polymer matrix. In a multi-layered device, the interface between the top and bottom layers is usually non-homogeneous and must be taken into consideration for high dielectric performance. The energy densities of single layered PVDF, single layered 1 vol% BT NFs/PVDF (1 vol% B), and bi-layered 1 vol% BT/PVDF-BT/PVDF (1 vol% BB) were 1.8, ∼2.0, and ∼1.7 J cm⁻³, respectively, at ∼210 MV m⁻¹. To clearly investigate the effect of the interface between the top and bottom layers of BT NFs/PVDF films, a polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) linker layer was incorporated in the middle layer of the device (BT NFs/PVDF-PVP-BT NFs/PVDF abbreviated as BPB). The dielectric study revealed that the middle PVP adhesive layer plays a crucial role in tailoring the dielectric properties as the energy density was surprisingly enhanced to 8.7 J cm⁻³ for the 1 vol% BPB device at ∼210 MV m⁻¹, which is ∼400% higher than that of the 1 vol% BB device. The present work provides an important finding that interface engineering in a multi-layered polymer nanocomposite helps in making homogeneous interfaces and hence enhancing the energy density at much lower electric fields. Furthermore, this work will provide a new path to fabricate large-scale, low-cost, and highly efficient capacitors using a simple device fabrication method.