Extracellular Matrix Inspired Molecular Polarization in Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Organic Dielectric Films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Dielectric Materials

Background:

• The extracellular matrix (ECM) integrates collagen fibers and hydrated polysaccharides.
• Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a key material for dielectric energy storage.
• Improving PVDF's dielectric properties and breakdown strength is crucial for capacitor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a PVDF-based dielectric energy storage film inspired by the ECM structure.
• To enhance the dielectric constant and breakdown strength of PVDF films.
• To reduce leakage current and improve discharged energy density.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a PVDF-based ternary dielectric film using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and a fluorinated methacrylate crosslinked network.
• Characterization of film structure, interfacial adhesion, and dielectric properties.
• Evaluation of charge trapping, leakage current density, and breakdown strength under an electric field.

Main Results:

• The HP-β-CD introduction increased the dielectric constant to 9.7.
• Leakage current density decreased by one order of magnitude to 5.25 × 10^-7 A/cm².
• The optimized composite achieved a discharged energy density of 9.03 J/cm³ at 560 MV/m.

Conclusions:

• An ECM-inspired molecular-regulation approach effectively enhances PVDF-based dielectric energy storage films.
• The developed ternary film exhibits improved dielectric properties and reduced energy loss.
• Further optimization is needed to address residual hysteresis for practical high-efficiency capacitor applications.