A NIR light-triggered pyroelectric-dominated generator based on a liquid crystal elastomer composite actuator for photoelectric conversion and self-powered sensing

Transducing light into electricity in photoactive materials and composites is especially attractive for light sensing and light energy harvesting. Here, we present a near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered pyroelectric-based generator by integrating a photoresponsive composite actuator composed of a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and graphene–doped poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) into a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film, which can effectively convert photothermal and mechanical energy into electricity. Notably, a NIR light photothermal-triggered pyroelectric effect leads to outstanding electric output performance resulting from the large temperature fluctuation induced by the contact and separation between the LCE-based composite actuator and PVDF film upon turning on or off the NIR illumination. In addition, the photothermal pyroelectric property arising from the thermal fluctuations makes the hybrid generator highly suitable as a self-powered NIR light and temperature sensor. This light-driven LCE-based hybrid generator opens a new opportunity for developing novel power generators and active sensors.