Abstract
Polymer nanocomposite fibers are important one-dimensional nanomaterials that hold promising potential in a broad range of technological applications. It is, however, challenging to organize advanced polymer nanocomposite fibers with sufficient mechanical properties and flexibility. Here, we demonstrate that strong, tough and flexible polymer nanocomposite fibers can be approached by electrospinning of a supramolecular ensemble of dissimilar and complementary components including flexible multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT), and stiff cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in an aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) system. CNT and CNC are bridged by a water-soluble aggregation-induced-emission (AIE) molecule that forms π–π stacking with CNT via its conjugated chains, and electrostatic attraction with CNC through its positive charges leading to a soluble CNT–AIE–CNC ensemble, which further assembles with PVA through hydrogen bonds. A high level of ordering of the nanoscale building blocks combined with hydrogen bonding leads to a more efficient stress transfer path between the reinforcing unit and the polymer. The nanocomposite fiber mat is capable of selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives.
Highlights
Electrospinning is a versatile, low-cost and scalable technique for producing high-aspect ratio bers of a wide range of compositions with achievable diameters ranging from several nanometers to a few micrometers.[1,2] The electrospun ber formation process has the marked bene t that functional components are essentially con ned in a nano–micro space along the ber axis
carbon nanotubes (CNT) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are bridged by a water-soluble aggregation-induced-emission (AIE) molecule that forms p–p stacking with CNT via its conjugated chains, and electrostatic attraction with CNC through its positive charges leading to a soluble CNT–AIE–CNC ensemble, which further assembles with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) through hydrogen bonds
The fabrication process for CNT–AIE–CNC/PVA electrospun bers is illustrated in Scheme 1
Summary
Electrospinning is a versatile, low-cost and scalable technique for producing high-aspect ratio bers of a wide range of compositions with achievable diameters ranging from several nanometers to a few micrometers.[1,2] The electrospun ber formation process has the marked bene t that functional components are essentially con ned in a nano–micro space along the ber axis. We demonstrate that strong, tough and flexible polymer nanocomposite fibers can be approached by electrospinning of a supramolecular ensemble of dissimilar and complementary components including flexible multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT), and stiff cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in an aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) system.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
