Electric field dependence of the Curie temperature of ferroelectric poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) co-polymers for pyroelectric energy harvesting

Journal Article · Fri Jan 20 00:00:00 EST 2012 · Smart Materials and Structures (Print)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1088/0964-1726/21/2/022001· OSTI ID:1211379

Cha, G; Ju, YS

We experimentally study pyroelectric energy harvesting in a ferroelectric co-polymer thin film, with a particular focus on the electric field dependence of its Curie temperature. Liquid-based switchable thermal interfaces are employed to achieve fast thermal cycling and reduce potential measurement errors resulting from leakage currents. Our work confirms that pyroelectric energy harvesting is most effective around the Curie temperature and that the Curie temperature does not depend strongly on electric fields, at least up to 500 kV cm(-1). These results are consistent with a recent study of the electrocaloric effect in co-polymer films of a similar composition.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AR0000120
• OSTI ID: 1211379
• Journal Information: Smart Materials and Structures (Print), Vol. 21, Issue 2; ISSN 0964-1726
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English