The electroactive β-phase formation in Poly(vinylidene fluoride) by gold nanoparticles doping

Abstract In this work we report on the preparation and characterization of a Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film doped with gold nano-particles (Au-NPs) prepared by a one step procedure. The preparation of Au-NPs without any external reduction agent is in the focus of interest when PVDF is used as a polymer stabilizer. It is found that a desirable amount of Au-NPs within the polymer matrix can enhance the electroactive β-phase in PVDF. The melting behavior of the crystalline polymorph of PVDF is examined by in-situ thermal FT-IR study. Spherulitic features in Au-NPs doped PVDF film are observed in the topographic images indicating a probable existence of spherulitic structures also in the β-phase (β-spherulite).