Distributed Array of Polymeric Piezo-nanowires through Hard- Templating Method into Porous Alumina

Abstract

We report on the preparation of ferroelectric polymeric nanowires through hard-templating strategy. Wet-impregnation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-tri fluoro ethylene) (P(VDF TrFE)) was performed into commercially available porous Anodic Alumina Membrane (AAM). The polymeric nanowires show a diameter ranging from 144 to 166 nm, a length of tenth of micron and a high filling ratio of the alumina pores. X-ray diffraction pattern and infrared spectroscopy show the crystallization of both polymers into the ferroelectric β phase. In addition, Curie temperature (Tc) tests show an increase to higher Tc for the PVDF-TrFE polymeric nanowires with respect to the bulk polymeric material, thus revealing the importance of confined crystallization into mono-dimensional structures. A piezoelectric behavior was also observed by a voltage generation upon mechanical pressure, without pre-poling or mechanically orienting the polymer. These crystalline piezoelectric nanowires distributed in a vertical array would potentially address applications like mechanical pressure sensors, e.g., in robotics. Copyright © 2011 IFSA.