Electrical Characterization of PVDF–BZT-BCT Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications

Authors

• Aidana Ospanova '28, DePauw University
• Pumpkin Nguyen, DePauw University
• Kenneth L. Brown, DePauw UniversityFollow
• Guangjun Qu, DePauw UniversityFollow

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 10-1-2026

Abstract

This project focused on the synthesis of ceramics and polymer–ceramic composite materials for increasing energy storage density. Over ten weeks, BZT-BCT and CCTO ceramics were synthesized, and more than 50 ceramic and PVDF–ceramic composite samples were prepared with ceramic concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 30% by weight. Different synthesis and film-processing conditions were investigated, including ceramic-to-PVDF ratios, film sizes, temperatures, and hold times. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to verify the synthesized ceramic phases. Later in the project, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and PTFE were incorporated into selected composites, with different CNT concentrations investigated for their effects on energy storage properties. Electrical measurements were conducted using self-built circuits, including a Sawyer–Tower circuit, to characterize the electrical behavior and energy storage performance of the materials.

Department

Department of Physics, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN; Summer Research with Dr. Oscar Qu

Project Mentor

Dr. Oscar Qu

Funding and Acknowledgements

This project is funded by the Fisher Faculty Development Fund. Prof Ken Brown peforned the powder ory diffacion experiments.

Recommended Citation

Ospanova, Aidana '28; Nguyen, Pumpkin; Brown, Kenneth L.; and Qu, Guangjun, "Electrical Characterization of PVDF–BZT-BCT Composite Materials for Energy Storage Applications" (2026). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 273.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/273