Polyvinylidene difluoride PVdF based blends and nanocomposites for energy harvesting and storage applications

Abstract

newlineEnergy harvesting and storage devices represent innovative solutions newlineto capture and utilize ambient energy sources efficiently. These technologies newlineare becoming increasingly significant in the drive toward sustainable newlineenergy systems and are diverse in their applications and mechanisms. newlineEnergy harvesting devices are designed to capture energy from various newlineambient sources such as sunlight, vibrations, thermal gradients, and newlineelectromagnetic radiation. For instance, photovoltaic cells convert newlinesunlight directly into electrical energy, while thermoelectric generators newlineharness temperature differentials to generate power. Piezoelectric newlinematerials convert mechanical vibrations or movements into electricity, newlineand electromagnetic harvesters capture energy from radio frequency (RF) newlinewaves or electromagnetic fields. Energy storage systems are pivotal in newlinemodern energy infrastructure for their ability to address key challenges newlineand capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global energy landscape. newlineThese systems play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources newlinelike solar and wind into the grid, which are inherently intermittent. By newlinestoring excess energy generated during periods of low demand and newlinereleasing it during peak times, energy storage enhances grid stability and newlinereliability. This capability not only mitigates the variability of renewable newlineenergy but also reduces the need for fossil fuel-based peaking newlinepower plants, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable newlineenergy mix. There are different energy storage devices such as capacitors, newlinesupercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, etc. in which batteries are versatile newlineand widely used for storing electrical energy.