Modulation of the interfacial architecture enhancing the efficiency and energy density of ferroelectric nanocomposites via the irradiation method

Flexible dielectric materials such as poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based nanocomposites with high energy density are employed for applications in modern electronic and electric systems. In this study, we improve traditional methods by optimizing the interfacial structure, achieving a 34% increase in energy density without reduced discharge efficiency. Herein, a simple solution-cast method is used to prepare poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) nanocomposites filled by γ-methacryloyl-propyltrimethoxysilane (MPMS) grafting barium titanate nanoparticles, forming a class of cross-linking networks by irradiation. More additional interfaces arising from irradiation cross-linking give rise to high discharge energy density, and the small crystalline domain and cross-linking network enhance the charge-discharge efficiency. Furthermore, we find two types of cross-linking centers on the network. One is more beneficial to energy density, and the other is more beneficial to efficiency. Regulating two types of cross-linking centers can balance efficiency and energy density. In summary, this work provides a promising strategy for exploiting advanced flexible dielectric materials to meet application requirements.