Non-Enthalpic Enhancement of Spatial Distribution and Orientation of CNTs and GNRs in Polymer Nanofibers

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2019Source: PolymerAuthor(s): Yevgen Zhmayev, George L. Shebert, Shubham Pinge, Prabhleen Kaur, Hongshen Liu, Yong Lak JooAbstract:Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their unzipped counterparts graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are promising materials for energy storage applications, due to their unique architecture and properties. However, spatial distribution and orientation in polymer matrices plays a crucial role in determining the charge and mass transfer effectiveness of the nanocomposite. Here, we report a controlled enhancement of dispersion and spatial alignment of CNTs and GNRs via gas-assisted electrospinning (GAES). This methodology obviates the use of surface modifications to ensure effective enthalpic interactions between a substrate and filler, and offers a “single-step” procedure for electrode fabrication. We conducted a rigorous TEM image analysis of as-spun PVA nanofibers and observed an average of 60 and 90 percent improvement in dispersion area due to the application of high but controlled air flow for CNTs and GNRs respectively. Alignment results demonstrate that stiff CNTs respond uniformly to the external deformation applied by GAES, while more the flexible GNRs have an inhomogeneous response.Graphical abstract
Source: Polymer - Category: Chemistry Source Type: research