I prepared a thick film of PVDF using the solution casting method. To measure the energy harvested, I tried using copper and aluminium foils and silver deposited using thermal evaporation. Then it is connected to a bridge rectifier and the voltage is measured using a Tektronix digital oscilloscope. But the voltage generated is zero during bending. What can be the possible reasons behind that?
Dear friend Ajai Krishnan
Well, let's delve into the issue. When dealing with PVDF piezoelectric materials, measuring voltage generated during bending can indeed be tricky. Here's a rundown of potential culprits for your Ajai Krishnan zero voltage output:
1. **Polarization Direction**: Ensure that the polarization direction of the PVDF film aligns with the bending axis. A misalignment here can result in minimal or no voltage output.
2. **Film Thickness**: Thicker films might require higher bending stresses to generate measurable voltages. Check if the film thickness is optimal for the bending conditions, you're Ajai Krishnan applying.
3. **Electrode Contact**: Verify the quality of contact between the PVDF film and the electrodes (copper, aluminum, or silver). Poor contact can impede the transfer of generated charges, resulting in negligible voltage readings.
4. **Bridge Rectifier Configuration**: Double-check the setup of your Ajai Krishnan bridge rectifier circuit. Any miswiring or improper configuration can lead to erroneous voltage measurements.
5. **Oscilloscope Settings**: Review the settings on your Ajai Krishnan Tektronix digital oscilloscope. Ensure that it's configured to capture the voltage signals accurately and that the triggering thresholds are appropriately set.
6. **Bending Radius and Frequency**: Experiment with different bending radii and frequencies. Sometimes, the voltage output might be sensitive to these parameters, and optimizing them could yield better results.
7. **Environmental Factors**: Consider the ambient conditions during your Ajai Krishnan experiments. Temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors can influence the piezoelectric response of PVDF materials.
By meticulously examining these factors and making necessary adjustments, you Ajai Krishnan should be able to troubleshoot the zero voltage issue and potentially unlock the energy-harvesting capabilities of your Ajai Krishnan PVDF film. Remember, patience and methodical testing are key in solving such engineering challenges. If you Ajai Krishnan need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
Dear Ajai,
As we all know, the piezoelectric response of PVDF films depends on its electroactive phases. First, you should check the amount of electroactive phase present in your films, which you can estimate from FTIR studies. Additionally, the output response of PVDF is low. Therefore, you can try using a charge-to-voltage converter circuit at the output end to enhance the response.
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