Mussel-inspired Fluoro-Polydopamine Functionalization of Titanium Dioxide Nanowires for Polymer Nanocomposites with Significantly Enhanced Energy Storage Capability.

ABSTRACT: High-dielectric-constant polymer nanocomposites are demonstrated to show great promise as energy storage materials. However, the large electrical mismatch and incompatibility between nanofillers and polymer matrix usually give rise to significantly reduced breakdown strength and weak energy storage capability. Therefore, rational selection and elaborate functionalization of nanofillers to optimize the performance of polymer nanocomposites are vital. Herein, inspired by adhesive proteins in mussels, a facile modification by fluoro-polydopamine is employed to reinforce the compatibility of TiO₂ nanowires in the fluoropolymer matrix. The loading of 2.5 vol % f-DOPA@TiO₂ NWs leads to an ultrahigh discharged energy density of 11.48?J cm^-3 at 530?MV m^-1, more than three times of commercial biaxial-oriented polypropylene (BOPP, 3.56?J cm^-3 at 600?MV m^-1). A gratifying high energy density of 9.12?J cm^-3 has also been obtained with nanofiller loading as high as 15 vol % at 360?MV m^-1, which is nearly double to that of pure P(VDF-HFP) (4.76?J cm^-3 at 360?MV m^-1). This splendid energy storage capability seems to rival or exceed most of previously reported nano-TiO₂ based nanocomposites. The methods presented here provide deep insights into the design of polymer nanocomposites for energy storage applications.

SUBMITTER: Wang G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5320529 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature