Flexible and robust hybrid paper with a large piezoelectric coefficient

Abstract

This report describes the fabrication of hybrid paper made from wood fibers to which barium titanate (BaTiO₃) nanoparticles were anchored. This hybrid paper is mechanically as strong as a commercial printing paper (breaking strength = 1.55 N mm⁻²), it is flexible and possesses a large piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃ = 37–45.7 ± 4.2 pC N⁻¹). Using this paper, we demonstrate an accelerometer, with a sensitivity of 82.45 pC g⁻¹. The accelerometer is formed by laminating the piezoelectric paper with electrodes made from conductive ink and a seismic mass is bonded to this assembly. According to our model, the dynamic range, 1–70 Hz, of the sensor can be increased by reducing the seismic mass at the expense of a lower sensitivity.