Enhanced Flexoelectric Response from Functionally Gradient Electrets Undergoing Crumpling Deformation

Non-uniform deformation of the dielectric subjected to external forces can induce the flexoelectric effect, a phenomenon that couples electrical polarization to strain gradients. However, limited by the size effects, flexoelectricity is not significant at the macroscale and only becomes catchable at the microscale and nanoscale. In recent work, we obtained a considerable flexoelectric-like response by crumpling the dielectric embedded with charges, i.e., the electret, which significantly improved the flexoelectric effect at the macroscale. In this work, we further optimize the macroscopic performance of the flexoelectric response by applying gradient treatment to the electret films. Specifically, we analytically derive the electromechanical coupling of crumpled electret films with gradients of different thicknesses, charge densities, and Young’s moduli as key design variables. It is shown that the gradient-oriented electret film can be tuned to nearly five times that of a uniform electret film.