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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, Mohali140306, India.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Ionic liquids (ILs) enhance poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezoelectricity by tuning anion properties. This study establishes anion-specific correlations for improved crystallinity, microstructure, and pyroelectric transduction in PVDF-based devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ionic liquids (ILs) are used with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to enhance piezoelectric properties.
- Systematic structure-property correlations for ILs in PVDF are lacking, hindering optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate anion-specific structure-property relationships in PVDF modified with ionic liquids.
- To establish predictive correlations for improved piezoelectric and pyroelectric performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a homologous series of [Emim]+-based ionic liquids with varying anions (Cl-, NO3-, BF4-).
- Performed gas-phase density functional theory calculations to understand ion-dipole interactions.
- Analyzed crystallinity, microstructure, and work function using various characterization techniques.
- Fabricated and tested flexible devices for piezoelectric and pyroelectric applications.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated anion-driven H···X templating, leading to refined spherulites and polarity-mediated work function modulation.
- Established predictive 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 ultrasensitive low-pressure detection and real-time responsiveness for IoT applications.
Conclusions:
- Anion-precise ionic liquid engineering is a transformative approach for PVDF-based materials.
- This method overcomes limitations in developing advanced wearable health monitors, therapeutic implants, and IoT sensors.
