Methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) (MAPI)-embedded β-phase comprising porous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite (MPC) films turns to an excellent material for energy harvester and photodetector (PD). MAPI enables to nucleate up to ∼91% of electroactive phase in PVDF to make it suitable for piezoelectric-based mechanical energy harvesters (PEHs), sensors, and actuators. The piezoelectric energy generation from PEH made with MPC film has been demonstrated under a simple human finger touch motion. In addition, the feasibility of photosensitive properties of MPC films are manifested under the illumination of nonmonochromatic light, which also promises the application as organic photodetectors. Furthermore, fast rising time and instant increase in the current under light illumination have been observed in an MPC-based photodetector (PD), which indicates of its potential utility in efficient photoactive device. Owing to the photoresponsive and electroactive nature of MPC films, a new class of stand-alone self-powered flexible photoactive piezoelectric energy harvester (PPEH) has been fabricated. The simultaneous mechanical energy-harvesting and visible light detection capability of the PPEH is promising in piezo-phototronics technology.
Keywords: CH3NH3PbI3; PVDF; perovskite; photoactive; piezoelectric energy harvester; porous; self-powered system; β-phase.