PVDF-based composites with engineered BaTiO3 nanoparticles for energy storage

PVDF-based composites containing 30 vol% ferroelectric ceramic inclusions were prepared by solution casting followed by two different compression molding procedures. BaTiO3 (BT) or core-shell BT@AO2 (A= Ti or Si) nanoparticles were considered. For BT and BT@TiO2 nanoparticles the effect of silanization was also investigated. All nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by FTIR and TEM. The amount of PVDF electro-active crystalline phases in the composites was determined by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, particle distribution/dispersion into the polymer matrix was analyzed by SEM-EDX microscopy, and the dielectric constant as well as the loss tangent were measured at different frequencies by impedance spectroscopy.