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• The NiFe-LDH nanosheets grow on the carbon nanofibers via an in-situ conversion strategy. • The CNF@NiFe-LDH interlayer can effectively restrict the diffusion of polysulfides. • The CNF@NiFe-LDH interlayer cells exhibit good cyclic and rate performances. • High initial discharge capacity of 799 mAh g−1 at 1 C with a low decay ratio of 0.045 % per-cycle over 500 cycles. To solve the shuttle effect of polysulfides and sluggish reaction kinetics in Li-S batteries, a functional interlayer added between the cathode and separator has been proven to be a very effective means. The pleasing interlayer is usually formed by the conductive skeleton and active components that have polysulfide adsorption and catalytic conversion abilities. In this paper, an electrospinning method assisted with in-site growth strategy has been developed to design a hierarchical functional film with NiFe-LDH nanosheets anchored on carbon nanofibers (CNF@NiFe-LDH). Structural characterizations and electrochemical measurements have been taken to indicate that the CNF@NiFe-LDH interlayer can effectively restrict the diffusion of polysulfides and accelerate the redox kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Arranged TiO 2 nanofibers was fabricated via electrospinning and sintering method. • TiO 2 nanofibers with different polymorphs obtained by controlling the temperature. • The mixed phases TiO 2 nanofibers demonstrated better transistor properties. Abstract A facile approach to fabricate arranged TiO 2 nanofibers via electrospinning and sintering is investigated in this paper. We have successfully demonstrated the electrospun TiO 2 nanofibers transited from anatase to rutile phase with the increase of sintering temperature. Meanwhile, the TiO 2 nanofibers with a mixed crystalline structure displayed better transistor characteristics and enhanced electrical property as building block in a top-gate field-effect transistor (FET) devices, compared to the pure anatase and rutile phase of TiO 2 nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addition of ZrC to ZrB 2 is favored to improve the fracture toughness of ZrB 2 . In this paper, ZrB 2 -ZrC composite nanofibers with eutectic composition are fabricated by electrospinning and carbothermal reduction. The precursors prepared by electrospinning are smooth and uniform. ZrB 2 -ZrC composite nanofibers could be fabricated by heat-treatment of precursors at 1300 °C in argon. Heat-treatment temperature influences the crystalline structure and grain size of nanofibers. The diameter of ZrB 2 -ZrC composite nanofibers is about 250 nm. The mole ratio of ZrB 2 and ZrC in the nanofibers is 47:53, very close to the eutectic composition of ZrB 2 -ZrC composites. Some amorphous carbon is present in the nanofibers. The effect of heat-treatment temperature on amorphous carbon content is analyzed. The interface between ZrB 2 and ZrC nano-grains is characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials surface modification represents a very attractive tool to modulate host tissue response. Surface modifications of titanium for bone contact applications have been widely investigated, while only few papers can be found regarding modifications aimed at soft tissue contact. However, soft tissue healing represents a crucial step for percutaneous/transmucosal titanium implants success. Fibroblasts, the soft tissues most representative cells, are known to be sensitive to surface topography. Anyhow, fibroblasts adhesion and spread can be more influenced by the presence of attractive macromolecules; so, within a grooved and keratin-coated Ti surface, cells will align following the strongest biochemical guide provided by keratin submicrometric-fibers. In order to obtain the most effective cell stimulation/guidance keratin submicrometric-fibers should be aligned to substrate nanogrooves. Despite the very promising cells guidance provided by keratin submicrometric-fibers, the strong limitation to their synthesis is related to the macromolecules high sensitivity to environmental parameters (temperature/humidity/pH) which can seriously compromise the feasibility and reproducibility of the final submicrometric-fibers layer. Accordingly, this work has the aim to obtain, for the first time, a coating of submicrometric keratin fibers aligned to the nanogrooves of a Ti substrate, in order to validate the attitude of the coated surface to impart additive topographical plus biochemical signals in the same direction for the stimulation of fibroblasts repopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, novel transparent nano-pattern window screen was successfully prepared by electrospinning. SEM, VHX 3D digital microscope and tensile tester were employed to characterize the morphology and the mechanical properties, which indicated that the nanofibers in the PA66 nano-patterned membranes are uniform and the diameter of about 200 nm, and there is no adhesion between nanofibers. In addition, we could find that the surface of the PA66 transparent nano-patterned membrane was more flat. Simultaneously, Mechanical properties of the PA66 nano-pattern membrane are better than those of the PA66 random orientation membrane. Moreover, applications of the PA66 transparent nano-pattern window screen as a filter for air filtration, we could find that the window screen showed excellent filtration efficiency for the PM 0.3-5 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we report the fabrication of electrospun polyacrylonitrile/polyaniline (PAN/PANI) blend nanofibers by electrospinning and polymerization and Bessel’s polynomial model applied for its ammonia sensing characteristics. As-fabricated PAN/PANI blend nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the confirmation of fibers with nanoscale and blends of PAN and PANI. The semiconducting behavior of the PAN/PANI blend nanofibers was found to respond quickly towards ammonia gas. Sensitivity of the blend was obtained at near room temperature for different concentrations of ammonia. Bessel’s polynomial function was found to be well fitted with the experimental data for the response towards ammonia gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiBNO ceramic fibers are promising materials in radar-wave-transparent applications due to their excellent dielectric property and high mechanical strength. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) fluffy SiBNO ultrafine fibers were fabricated by electrospinning of polyborosiloxane (PBSO) sol and pyrolysis up to 1000 °C under NH 3 . The construction of fluffy structure was well manipulated through adjusting the environmental humidity during the electrospinning process. The obtained SiBNO fibers with typical amorphous structure display a uniform distribution with an average diameter of 1.5 μm. Moreover, the SiBNO fibers exhibit excellent dielectric property with the average dielectric constant and loss tangent of 4.44 and 0.0029 at 2–18 GHz, respectively. These fluffy architectures demonstrate great potentials in nano-composite materials, which can promote precursor impregnation into three dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Medical-grade silicone was made into a film using electrospinning technology. • The conditions for curing the silicone film at low temperature were studied. • The fabricated electrospun multi-layer membrane has high mechanical properties. • The multi-layer membrane cured at a low temperature had no problem in cell growth. A stent is a medical device used when the flow of blood or body fluids such as the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels is not smooth due to occurrence of malignant or benign diseases. When a stent is coated using electrospinning, it has the advantage of being able to add various functions, such as coating drugs or selecting various polymers such as biodegradable polymers and high elastic polymers according to the application. However, due to problems such as weak physical properties and shrinkage peculiar to electrospun fibers, electrospun coated stents are not currently in use. In this paper, an electrospun silicone/PCL multi-layer membrane was prepared using biodegradable polymer PCL and medical-grade silicone used for stent coating. The prepared electrospun multi-layer membrane was able to compensate for the weak physical properties of the electrospun fiber through the silicone film. In addition, it was confirmed that there was no problem in using this multi-layer membrane prepared for medical use through cytotoxicity evaluation. When the stent is coated using the electrospun multi-layer film, it is expected that a multifunctional stent with properties similar to the existing covered stent through a silicone film and with various functions added through an electrospun fiber can be manufactured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Enhanced carbon yield of spun films by I 2 doping. • PBA/PVP/I 2 self-supporting electrodes were prepared. • I 2 -doped nanofibrous films can be used as catalyst support substrates. In the traditional method, the catalysts are easy to fall off when subjected to external force after loading. In this paper, the electrospinning technology was used to prepare a hybrid nanofiber based self-supporting catalytic electrode by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), iron-based Prussian blue (FeFe-PBA) and iodine (I 2). Benefited from the chemical complexation of I 2 and PVP, during the heat treatment, the carbon yield of PVP and integrity of fibrous membrane greatly improved. The optimal comprehensive material ratio in spinning system was PBA 30 wt.%, PVP 14 wt.% and I 2 5 wt.%, respectively. The tests after assembling zinc-air batteries showed that the open circuit voltage was 1.416 V, the peak power density was 13.71 mA·cm−2, the discharge voltage corresponding to the peak power density was 0.43 V, the corresponding current density was 31.71 mA·cm−2, and the internal resistance was about 20 Ω. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snail powders have many medicine functions. This paper uses the powders as additives for fabrication of nanofibers by the electrospinning and the bubble electrospinning, such work has never been studied before in any open literature. Unsmooth nanofiber is observed, and small fibers have higher acid-proof and alkali-proof properties, and their main reasons are revealed. Snail’s slime involved in the powder has a fast immobilization property, and the immobilization process will blocks surface motion of the spun jets during the spinning process. Potential applications of the unsmooth nanofibers are predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved free surface electrospinning for high throughput of nanofibers by utilizing micro-bubble solution system has been successfully developed in the present paper. Compared with the conventional solution system based free surface electrospinning, more jets were observed to form on the edges of the stepped pyramid shaped spinneret simultaneously and nanofibers similar in quality (diameter, diameter distribution) were produced. In addition, the effect of bubble size on the diameters of nanofibers is experimentally studied, revealing that the smaller bubble size favors the smaller diameter. This novel solution system based free surface electrospinning will benefit to the development of free surface electrospinning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the synthesis and the characterization of CoFe 2 O 4 and CoFe 2 O 4 /Co 3 O 4 nanofibers prepared by Electrospinning. The samples with various weight ratios of Co/Fe were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that by increasing the weight ratio of Co/Fe, a mix of phases CoFe 2 O 4 /Co 3 O 4 has been detected. The one dimensional morphology is conserved till a critical weight ratio Co/Fe of 1.08 above which the nanostructures completely lose their morphology. These results provide a promising lead for the future synthesis of a variety of CoFe 2 O 4 based nanofiber morphologies with controllable diameter and crystalline structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a relatively simple and low-cost approach to prepare Al2O3 coated with electrospun meta-aramid nanofibers. These Al2O3/meta-aramid composite nanofiber mats can be directly used as separating membrane in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The manufacture, characteristics, performance and modifications of these Al2O3/meta-aramid composite nanofiber separators are introduced and discussed. In cell test, the capacity efficiency of Al2O3 coated M-aramid nanofibers separator was much better than that of M-aramid nanofibers. The LiCoO2/graphite cells assembled with the Al2O3 ceramic coated M-aramid nanofibers separator exhibited reversibility up to 4.2 V with a 232 mA h/g discharge capacity. Among numerous battery separators, the thermal shutdown and ceramic based separators are of special importance in enhancing the safety of lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Tailoring microfibrous constructs through electrospinning setup geometry. • The collector geometry of the electrospinning setup controls fiber orientation. • Aligned and randomly oriented fibers due to a parallel-plate collector. • Simulation of the electric field directionality explains fiber orientation. • Polymer deposition produces a local electric effect in electrospinning. Fundamental knowledge of the deposition process of electrospun fibers is of paramount importance to the fabrication of constructs with fibers oriented in specific directions, depending on the mandrel geometry. This paper presents an electrostatic finite element analysis of a parallel-plate electrospinning configuration that reveals the effects of the electric potential intensity and directionality on the deposition of aligned and randomly oriented fibers, resulting in the formation of a fibrous bilayer construct. Simulations demonstrate that polymer deposition between the collector plates yields a local effect on the electric field. This study provides a computational methodology for investigating other collector configurations and guidance for designing electrospinning setups capable of producing microfibrous constructs with tailored morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel coaxial electrospinning process modified from free surface electrospinning has been successfully developed to massive production of core–shell nanofibers in the present paper. A two-layer polymer system, with the lower layer consisting a core polymer solution and the upper layer consisting a sheath polymer solution, is subjected to a sufficient electrical field. As a result, multiple coaxial jets spontaneously form on the edges of the stepped pyramid-shaped spinneret. Compared with the conventional concentric spinneret based coaxial electrospinning, the possibility of clogging was avoided and an enhancement of more than 100 times over the traditionally obtained core–shell nanofibers productivity was obtained. This novel design has potential for high throughput of electrospun core–shell nanofibers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • A facile electrospinning method is used to produce V 2 O 5 nanofibers. • V 2 O 5 nanofibers cathodes provide up to 357 mA h g−1 in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. • Zn2+ intercalation affects structure and electrochemical properties of electrodes. • The electrodes show remarkable capacity after 500 charge–discharge cycles. Vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5) has attracted significant attention in recent years as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Its unique layered structure allows for reversible intercalation of various multivalent ions, including Zn2+. This paper proposes a sol–gel electrospinning method for preparation of vanadium pentoxide nanofibers, followed by thermal treatment in air. The composition and structure of the obtained powders were verified by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while the morphology of the samples was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties and performance of the electrode materials based on V 2 O 5 nanofibers were studied using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. V 2 O 5 electrodes demonstrate high specific capacity (357 mA h g−1 at 0.05 A g−1) and good long-term cyclic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel biocompatible nanofibril film with konjac glucomannan and polyethylene oxide made by electrospinning technology. • The as-prepared nanofibers stabilized by the physical interactions of polymer chains. • The nanofibril film is a good candidate for active components embedding. The exploration of strategy to synthesize nanofibril film for functional applications is of great scientific and technological interest. This paper demonstrates that nanofibril film, made of biodegradable konjac glucomannan (KGM) and polyethylene oxide (PEO), performs better physical and chemical properties than solvent casting film. We fabricate a nanofibril film by electrospinning method. To collect consistent and uniform nanofibers, we explore the effect of the proportion of KGM and PEO. At proportion of KGM: PEO = 1:10, the as-prepared nanofibers are consistent in size with an average width of 200 nm. We further characterize the nanofibril film by Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show physical crosslinked networks between KGM and PEO chains, and modifications of the crystallization of the polymers. In addition, we disperse grape seed extract (GSE) into the electrospinning solutions to prepare bioactive nanofibril film. The as produced nanofibril film demonstrates good water vapor barrier and antioxidation function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium phosphate (CaP) materials such as synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10(PO4)6·(OH)2) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP, Ca3(PO4)2) are well-known for their potential in bone tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Processing such materials into submicrofibres might contribute to improve their biocompatibility. This paper presents a new method for creating CaP submicrofibres through the electrospinning route. A thermal treatment at sintering temperature (1100°C) was applied to electrospun polymer fibres filled with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to cause aggregation of the nanoparticles and vaporise the polymer matrix. The images taken by electron microscopy revealed that the treated samples maintained their submicrofibrous morphology. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the resulting fibres are made of hydroxypatite and tricalcium phosphates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Laser melt electrospinning is a novel technology to fabricate tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds, and this solvent-free process is far safer than common solution electrospinning. In this paper, the electrospun poly(L-lactide)/nano-hydroxyapatite (PLLA/nHA) composite fiber scaffolds were prepared by this method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the fibers with diameters ranging from 4 to 7μm were obtained, and the nHA particles were well-dispersed in the PLLA fibers matrix. The energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results demonstrated the existence of nHA in the PLLA fibers. With the modification of incorporating HA nanocrystalline particles, the hydrophilicity of the electrospun PLLA/nHA mats surface can be improved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hyperthermophiles are expected as the source of thermostable enzymes, but agarose-gel culture is unavailable for isolating them because of the high temperature culture condition. In this paper, we proposed the scaffold suitable for long-term culture of hyperthermophiles, which is applicable for an extremely high-temperature. We have investigated the dynamics of the attachment and colonisation of Sulfolobus solfataricus, onto electrospun nanofiber scaffold. Observation by fluorescent microscopy and SEM demonstrated adhered and colonised onto the polyurethane nanofibres the hydrophilicity of which was enhanced by oxygen plasma treatment. This research is a first step towards developing a new approach to successful solid-culture of hyperthermophiles under extreme conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we present a study on the microwave frequency properties of PVC/Fe3O4 composite nanofibers, with different amounts of iron oxide nanoparticles incorporate in PVC matrix. Using electrospinning where obtained composite nanofibers with diameters ranging between 100nm and 600nm. The transmission loss of PVC/Fe3O4 composites measured in the microwave frequency range of X-band were found to be below −15dB demonstrating that these materials can be used as protection material of electromagnetic radiation. The applied magnetic field significantly modifies the measured scattering parameters in our samples case in a rather large domain of values for the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fabrication of ultraviolet light emitting devices using ZnO nanostructures is still difficult due to the high cost synthesis for high quality ZnO. It is important to suppress the visible emission. In this paper, we report the effective low cost in-situ preparation of high quality monodispersed and non-agglomerate ZnO nanoparticles in nanofibrous PVA matrix derived from electrospinning method. The final product was investigated by SEM, EDAX, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and SAED. The XRD analysis proved the successful preparation of ZnO with wurtzite hexagonal phase. FTIR spectroscopic measurements showed the interaction between ZnO and PVA. The purity of the sample was studied using PL. The result showed that the obtained sample exhibits intense ultraviolet emissions at 369nm while the absence of deep level emission confirms the high quality sample. PVA matrix and electrospinning method are found to have a vital role to the preparation of defect free ZnO. Experimental results have proven that the prepared ZnO by this method have excellent optical quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, we described an electrospinning process for creating superhydrophobic thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) mat with bead-on-string morphologies. The initially hydrophobic TPU electrospun film presented superhydrophobic trait after treatment with hydrophobic nanosilicas, which was pre-fabricated by refluxing nanosilicas in a toluene solution of hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS). The relationship between the microstructures and wettability was also discussed. This superhydrophobic TPU film turned out to be benign materials for separating oil and water mixture. The development of the electrospun process described in this paper, as well as the extension of our method, will no doubt facilitate the achievement of other functional superhydrophobic films for various applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports on an experimental investigation of the thermal radiative properties of electrospun superfine fibrous PVA films containing or without containing TiO2 nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to measure the spectral transmission of the superfine fibrous PVA films, from which the Rosseland extinction coefficients and thermal radiative conductivities of the samples were then calculated. The results showed that electrospun fibrous PVA and PVA/TiO2 films had significantly greater Rosseland extinction coefficients and lower thermal radiative conductivities than the conventional polymer foams (e.g. PE and PU). The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images showed that the electrospun PVA fibres had the diameters in range of 150–300 nm. The super fineness of the fibres in the PVA films is believed to be the main reason for the reduction of thermal radiative conductivity. The study also showed that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles can increase the thermal insulating performance of the electrospun fibrous materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes an atomic force microscope (AFM) based voltage-assisted electrospinning technique. Single nanofibers on substrates are prepared via simultaneous preparation and deposition. In this work, an AFM-based electrospinning process is developed to generate polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymeric single fibers with nanometer scale diameters. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this developed approach for assembling nanofibers at predetermined positions. This work represents a promising advancement in nanomanufacturing of one-dimensional nanostructured materials for micro- and nanoscale devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, in-situ electrospinning method was presented to directly fabricate semiconductor (Ag2S or Cu2S) nanostructures on the outer surfaces of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. PAN/metallic salt composite fibers were electrospun firstly as precursors, after UV irradiation photoreduction and the treatment of H2S gas, Ag2S or Cu2S nanostructures can be obtained on the outer surface of PAN nanofibers. The interactions between the polymer and metallic ions are believed to be the main factor in determining the position of metallic ions based on the electrospun nanofibers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) are used to characterize the products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By using the interaction between the sulfonated groups and silver ions, nanosilver particles were successfully introduced into S-PEEK nanostructures (nanospheres and nanofibers) by electrospinning. The nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), UV/vis, etc. The size of the spheres increases with the weight concentration of silver exchanged sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (S-PEEK-Ag) increasing. The size of the silver particles can be controlled by adjusting the sulfonated degree (number of sulfonate groups per repeating unit) of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (S-PEEK) and the weight ratio of the S-PEEK solutions. This paper provides a new method for the preparation of nanometal particles into nanostructures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the formation of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyl-oxy)-p-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite microstructures by an electrospinning technique has been reported. MEH-PPV:PVP composites have been prepared by using chloroform as solvent. Novel microstructures have been successfully formed at the varying concentrations of PVP at 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%. The morphological study of these structures has been characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), while their optical properties have been investigated by UV–vis, XRD, and photoluminescence (PL) microscopies. Enhancement in optical properties for the novel microstructures has been observed. The microstructures obtained from this study seem very promising for the applications in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present paper, we synthesized a new type of rutile CrSbO4 nano-flakes using electrospinning. The rutile structure of the novel CrSbO4 nano-flakes has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The five and seven theoretically observable Raman peaks and FTIR absorption bands, which were calculated by nuclear site group analysis, are in accordance with the experiment results for the flake-like CrSbO4 nanomaterial. Based on the three-flux approximation, the indirect band gap of the rutile CrSbO4 nano-flakes is about 2.44eV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The silver fiber network is fabricated successfully by simple electrospinning. • The silver fiber network has high conductivity and excellent flexibility. • The transparent electrodes made of silver fiber networks can achieve sheet resistance of 3 Ωsq−1 at 78% transparency. This paper presents free-standing flexible conductive silver submicron fiber networks prepared by electrospinning. Fused junctions of silver fibers naturally form by heat process and result in high conductivity of silver fiber networks. Transparent electrodes made of electrospun silver fiber networks can achieve sheet resistance of 3 Ωsq−1 at 78% transparency and show excellent flexibility, of which the sheet resistance increases by only 50% after 500 bending cycles with a bending radius of 0.8 mm. The study provides a way to fabricate low-cost flexible conductive silver fiber networks that can be used in displays and solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes a procedure of synthesizing MoS2 nanofibers with hexagonal structure. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM) composite nanofibers were prepared by a sol–gel method and an electrospinning technique. Subsequently, the MoS2 nanofibers were derived from reduction of these precursor composite fibers at 450°C under a H2 atmosphere for 2h, and calcinating at higher temperature under an Ar atmosphere for 6h. The precursor composite nanofibers and the MoS2 nanofibers were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the crystalline phase and fiber morphology were largely influenced by the calcination temperature in Ar atmosphere, the diameter of MoS2 nanofibers distributes from 50nm to 200nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, iron nanofibers were successfully produced by electrospinning of ferric nitrate–PVA solutions to corresponding PVA/Fe(NO3)3 composite nanofibers followed by calcinations and reduction. The thermal stability of the as-prepared PVA/Fe(NO3)3 composite nanofibers were investigated by TG–DSC. The morphologies and structures of the as-prepared samples were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results obtained indicated that: the thermal transformation of ferric nitrate and the decomposition of PVA in PVA/Fe(NO3)3 composite nanofibers ended at 310°C and 460°C respectively. The as-prepared iron nanofibers showed a continuous morphology and a very high degree of crystallization. Furthermore, the average diameter was about 180nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Titanium dioxide is one of the best semiconductor photocatalysts available for photocatalysis. In this paper, titanium dioxide nanofiber membranes are prepared by post-anneal-assisted electrospinning process. The obtained membrane is composed of anatase titanium dioxide continuous and porous nanofibers with diameters ranging from 65 to 115 nm. An optimized annealing scheme is determined. Photocatalytic measurements show that the photocatalytic efficiency of the anatase TiO2 nanofiber membrane is 72%, which is highly superior to that of the anatase TiO2 thin film (44%). It is believed that the large specific surface area intensively enhances the photocatalytic reactions and the good shape retention might be favorable for recuperability and practicality. The potential applications for environmental purification are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new process comprising facile reduction-diffusion was created and utilized as templates to produce Nd 2 Fe 14 B nanofibers. • The maximum energy product of Nd 2 Fe 14 B fibers was 3.34 MGOe. • These results are useful to produce a novel structure of magnetic materials with excellent shape anisotropy. A novel method for the synthesis of neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) fibers is demonstrated in this study by adopting three continuous processes: electrospinning, step heat treatment, and a new process comprising facile reduction-diffusion. The structural and crystalline studies revealed that as-spun precursor fibers were transformed into FeNdO 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , and NdBO 3 phases by non-isothermal heat treatment; further, the oxide mixture fibers were reduced to a single Nd 2 Fe 14 B phase by the facile reduction-diffusion process. A facile reduction-diffusion process in this paper can obtain Nd 2 Fe 14 B fibers without brokenness; this is because it leads to the formation of a thin salt layer on Nd 2 Fe 14 B fiber surface when reacting to by-product CaO granules. The BH max of Nd 2 Fe 14 B fibers was exhibited by 3.34 MGOe. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to fabricate 1-D Nd 2 Fe 14 B fibers successfully using a new reduction-diffusion process. This work provides a simple way to prepare 1-D hard magnetic Nd-Fe-B fibers with excellent shape anisotropy attributed to a high aspect ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]