Fabrication of all-organic nanodielectrics reinforced with electrospun polymer fibres for capacitive energy storage

Abstract

Advancements in all-organic dielectrics are crucial for electrical energy storage devices and flexible electronics due to their low cost and easier processability compared to inorganic materials for similar applications. In the present work, epoxy-based all-organic nanodielectric materials were developed for capacitive energy storage applications. To be employed as fillers, nanofibres were developed by means of electrospinning, utilizing two polymers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS). Three cases were examined with nanofibers consisting of pure PVA (5% w/w in epoxy) and PVA : CS in weight ratios of 5 : 1 and 5 : 2 (both 4% w/w in epoxy). The morphological, structural, thermal and dielectric properties of the developed polymer nanodielectric materials were extensively investigated, with a clear focus on their ability to store and recover energy in a capacitor configuration. The presence of CS appeared to significantly increase the dielectric permittivity and restrict charge transport, which is beneficial for energy recovery efficiency, attributed to its strongly insulating nature.