Self-standing multiferroic P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposite films with high flexibility and great magnetoelectric effect induced by low content ultra-fine magnetostrictive nanofibers

Flexible multiferroic materials with lightweight, wearability, portability and high magnetoelectric conversion present significant potential for applications in wearable, wireless and self-powered device engineering. However, simultaneously achieving high magnetoelectric conversion and ideal flexibility remains a demanding challenge of multiferroic composite materials. Here, novel flexible magnetoelectric nanocomposite films are developed based on the self-synthesized ultra-fine magnetostrictive nanofibers and electrostrictive polymer P(VDF-TrFE). The ultra-fine magnetostrictive nanofibers have been tailored into 15 nm of average diameter by utilizing an ultra-fine polymer template ( s PPTA). This design aligns with the dimensions of P(VDF-TrFE) crystals to ensure optimal interfacial compatibility and effective stress transfer between the magnetostrictive and electrostrictive phase. Remarkably, a small amount (3 wt%) of nanofibers in the nanocomposite films enables a synergistic output effect of magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of 43.0 mV·cm −1 ·Oe −1 . The incorporation of ultra-fine and low-content nanofillers contributes to the lightweight and flexible nature of the nanocomposite films with the elongation at a break of 9 %. Moreover, the magneto-machine-electric conversion shows 7 % enhancement with a magnetic field application to verify the active effect of the magnetic field on strain response. This approach opens up a new avenue for the design and modulation of flexible magnetoelectric films and paves the way for wireless and wearable multifunctional devices.