Multi-functional PVDF nanocomposites with engineered nanostructures for energy harvesting and EMI shielding: A review

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposites have emerged as promising multifunctional materials for simultaneous energy harvesting and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in flexible electronics. This comprehensive review examines the critical role of nanostructured fillers—zero-dimensional nanoparticles, one-dimensional nanowires/nanotubes, two-dimensional nanosheets, and hybrid structures—in enhancing the electroactive β-phase content and functional properties of PVDF. We systematically analyze fabrication techniques, including electrospinning, solution casting, spin coating, and hot pressing, evaluating their effectiveness in achieving high β-phase content (up to 96%) and optimal filler dispersion. For energy harvesting, PVDF nanocomposites incorporating nanofillers exhibit piezoelectric coefficients of up to 70 pC/N, output voltages exceeding 100 V, current up to 22.1 μA, and power densities up to 377 μW/cm². For EMI shielding, these materials achieve shielding effectiveness exceeding 80 dB across X-band (8–12 GHz), Ku-band (12–18 GHz), and K-band (18–26 GHz) frequencies. Critically, we find that fewer than 10 studies have addressed the simultaneous optimization of both functionalities, indicating a significant research gap. Key challenges, including nanofiller dispersion, lead-free alternatives, and long-term stability, are discussed, alongside future directions emphasizing core-shell nanostructures, gradient multilayer architectures, and sustainable material design. This review provides a roadmap for developing next-generation multifunctional PVDF nanocomposites for self-powered, electromagnetically compatible wearable systems.