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Tuning Piezoelectricity and Pyroelectricity in Poly(vinylidene fluoride) through Ionic Liquid Anion-Size Directed
Utsa Sarkar1, Ranjini Sarkar2,3, Parvathy Ravindranath1
1Quantum Materials and Devices Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali 140306, India.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Ionic liquids (ILs) enhance poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezoelectricity. Anion engineering in ILs precisely controls PVDF structure and properties, enabling advanced sensors and energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ionic liquids (ILs) are used with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to improve piezoelectric properties.
- Systematic structure-property relationships for IL anions in PVDF are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anion-specific structure-property correlations in PVDF modified with ionic liquids.
- To establish predictive models for IL-PVDF interactions and performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a homologous series of [Emim]+-ILs with varying anions (Cl-, NO3-, BF4-).
- Performed gas-phase density functional theory calculations to understand ion-dipole interactions.
- Analyzed crystallinity, microstructure, wettability, and pyroelectric properties.
- Optimized electrode interfaces for pyroelectric measurements.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated anion-driven H···X templating, refining PVDF spherulites.
- Established correlations between anion polarizability, nucleation kinetics, and lamellar polarity.
- Achieved high peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage (Vpp ~ 6.3 V) and rapid capacitor charging (τ ≤ 26 s).
- Showcased real-time responsiveness for IoT-enabled monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Anion-precise IL engineering is a transformative approach for PVDF-based devices.
- This method overcomes limitations in piezoelectric and pyroelectric performance.
- Highlights potential for wearable sensors, implants, and IoT applications.
