Interfacial and Piezoelectric Physics of PVDF/Metal Oxide Nanocomposites for Energy Harvesting

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a semicrystalline polymer whose electroactive β-phase underlies its strong piezoelectric and ferroelectric response, making it one of the most promising materials for flexible, self-powered energy-harvesting devices. Incorporating metal oxide nanofillers such as ZnO, CeO₂, or SnO₂ into a PVDF matrix can promote β-phase nucleation, influence dipole alignment, and modify charge transport at the polymer–oxide interface. Yet the physical mechanisms linking nanofiller composition, dispersion, and interfacial coupling to the resulting piezoelectric and dielectric performance are still not well established, limiting the rational design of these composites for practical devices.This Research Topic focuses on the physics of structure–property relationships in PVDF/metal oxide nanocomposites, rather than on their synthesis routes or downstream applications. It brings together experimental, computational, and theoretical studies that clarify how nanofiller composition, dispersion, and interfacial coupling govern polarization behavior, dielectric response, and piezoelectric or triboelectric output with the aim of establishing predictive structure–property principles that can guide the design of next-generation energy-harvesting devices.By concentrating on the underlying physics rather than the breadth of possible applications, this Topic aims to produce a coherent, physics-focused collection that advances mechanistic understanding of polymer–nanofiller interfacial behavior, and that is directly relevant to the design of flexible, sustainable energy-harvesting technologies.This Research Topic welcomes Original Research Articles, Review Articles, Mini Reviews, Perspectives, and Brief Research Reports. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:- β-phase nucleation and crystallization physics at the polymer–nanofiller interface- Dipole alignment, polarization switching, and ferroelectric behavior in PVDF-based nanocomposites- Charge transport and interfacial charge-trapping mechanisms in polymer–metal oxide systems- Dielectric response and its dependence on filler loading, morphology, and dispersion- Piezoelectric and triboelectric output physics for self-powered and energy-harvesting devices- Modeling and simulation of polymer–nanofiller interfacial physics (e.g., molecular dynamics, phase-field, finite-element approaches)- Mechanical–electrical coupling and strain-response physics in flexible composite films Topic editors: Nupur Aggarwal, Dr Chandra Kumar, Dr. Naveen Kumar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85258/interfacial-and-piezoelectric-physics-of-pvdfmetal-oxide-nanocomposites-for-energy-harvesting