Abstract
Nanofibrous-based pH sensors have shown promise in a wide range of industrial and medical applications due to their fast response time and good mechanical properties. In the present study, we fabricated pH-sensitive sensors of nanofibrous membranes by electrospinning polyurethane (PU)/poly 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (PAMPS)/graphene oxide (GO) with indicator dyes. The morphology of the electrospun nanofibers was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of hydrophilic polymer ratio and concentration of GO on the sensing response time was investigated. The sensitivity of the membranes was studied over a wide pH range (1–8) in solution tests, with color change measured by calculating total color difference using UV-vis spectroscopy. The membranes were also subjected to vapor tests at three different pH values (1, 4, 8). SEM results show the successful fabrication of bimodal fiber diameter distributions of PU (mean fiber diameter 519 nm) and PAMPS (mean fiber diameter 78 nm). Sensing response time decreased dramatically with increasing concentrations of PAMPS and GO. The hybrid hydrophobic/hydrophilic/GO nanofibrous membranes are capable of instantly responding to changes in solution pH as well as detecting pH changes in chemical vapor solution in as little as 7 s.
Highlights
Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) are an important category of fibrous structures that can be produced via electrospinning
The present study aims to fabricate and characterize bimodal fiber nanofibrous membranes by electrospinning one hydrophobic polymer (PU) and one hydrophilic polymer (PAMPS)
Conclusions pH-sensitive dyes incorporated into ENMs were developed as a sensor for the protective clothing (PC) sector. pH-sensitive dyes incorporated into ENMs were developed as a sensor for the PC sector
Summary
Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) are an important category of fibrous structures that can be produced via electrospinning Due to their ease of production, interconnected porosities, and high surface area, ENMs have found a wide range of applications. Despite the good water absorption and fine diameter of PAMPS nanofiber membranes, the mechanical and dimensional stability of these structures is not sufficient to warrant their use in end products such as pH-sensitive membranes. Hua and coworkers showed that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) combined with GO exhibited higher pH sensitivity, and in hydrogel form can be used for loading and selectively releasing drugs at physiological pH [19] Against this backdrop, the present study aims to fabricate and characterize bimodal fiber nanofibrous membranes by electrospinning one hydrophobic polymer (PU) and one hydrophilic polymer (PAMPS). The pH-sensing behavior of the bimodal PU/PAMPS/GO nanofibrous membranes was investigated in both solution and vapor tests
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.
