A Multifunctional PVDF –Cobalt Ferrite Nanocomposite Platform for CPW ‐Fed Microstrip Patch Antennas and Mechanical Energy Harvesting

PVDF–cobalt ferrite (CoFe 2 O 4 ; CFO) nanocomposites were developed as multifunctional materials for both coplanar waveguide (CPW)‐fed microstrip patch antenna (MSP) and piezoelectric energy harvesting. The CFO loading was varied from 0 to 20 wt% to obtain the optimal composition for antenna operation. X‐ray diffraction and FTIR analysis confirmed the structural characteristics of the nanocomposite and the transformation of PVDF from the α to electroactive β‐phase. FE‐SEM shows a uniform CFO dispersion at lower loading and agglomeration at higher CFO concentrations within the PVDF matrix. CPW‐fed microstrip patch antenna (MSP) was simulated using High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) software, and the optimized design (20 mm × 20 mm, 70–100 μm thick) was developed using a piezoelectric PVDF–CFO nanocomposite substrate. The P20CFO antenna exhibited the maximum bandwidth of 12GHz, effectively covering the Ku, Ka, and K frequency bands along with highest gain of 14 dB with 99% radiation efficiency. Additionally, the P5CFO piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) delivered the maximum output voltage of 7 V across a 1 MΩ load under periodic fist tapping, with a power density of 1.2 μW/cm 2 . These results demonstrate the multifunctional nature of PVDF–CFO nanocomposites and their promising potential in both energy harvesting and high frequency antenna applications.