1 - Fundamentals of electrospinning and safety

Abstract

The utilization of unique nanostructured materials has attracted considerable interest in diverse potential fields. Electrospinning has been recognized as an efficient approach for the production of polymer, metal, metal oxide, carbon, and composite nanofibers. This chapter covers fundamentals and prominent aspects of the electrospinning technique. We also discuss how the electrospinning process can be utilized for the production of a variety of metal oxide nanofibers and the factors influencing electrospinning. The fabrication and posttreatment of metal oxide nanofibers are described by two routes: sol–gel electrospinning and colloid electrospinning. The progress that has been made in research into the fabrication of various metal oxide nanofiber membranes for future prospects is presented. At the end, approaches to the scale-up production of electrospun nanofibers and safety issues of electrospinning process are also discussed.