A Novel Method for Making NiO Nanofibres via An Electrospinning Technique

Thin PVA/nickel acetate composite fibres were prepared by using sol-gel processing and electrospinning technique. After calcination of the above precursor fibres, NiO nanofibres with a diameter of 50-150 nm could be successfully obtained. The fibres were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, WAXD, respectively.

Electrochemical performance of interfacially polymerized polyaniline nanofibres as electrode materials for non-aqueous redox supercapacitors

H+ doped polyaniline nanofibre(PH) was synthesized by interfacial polymerization and polyanilines doped with Li salt(PLI and PHLI) were prepared by immersing emeraldine base(EB) and H+ doped polyaniline in 1 mol/L LiPF6/(EC-EMC-DMC),respectively.PH,PLI and PHLI were all characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectrometry.With 1 mol/L LiPF6/(EC-EMC-DMC) as electrolyte,PH,PHLI and PLI were used as the active materials of symmetric non-aqueous redox supercapacitors.PLI shows the highest initial specific capacitance of 120 F/g(47 F/g for PH and 66 F/g for PHLI) among three samples.After 500 cycles,the specific capacitance of PLI remains 75 F/g,indicating the good cycleability.

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of Gd-doped TiO_2 nanofibre

In order to realize the photocatalysis of TiO2 in the sunlight and directly apply it to waste water treatment, the Gd-doped TiO2 nanofibre was synthesized using two-step synthesis method as follows: Firstly, potassium carbonate, titanium dioxide and proper gadolinium oxide （dopant） were calcined in the muffle at high temperature and the doped gadolinium K2Ti4O9 fibres were obtained; secondly, the fibre was heated using glycerol as solvent until Gd-doped TiO2 nanofibres were obtained. The synthesized samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that Gd-doped TiO2 nanofibre heat-treated by glycerol solvent can inhibit the agglomeration, so the grain diameter of the fibre is smaller than that without heat-treated with glycerol. Meanwhile, the diameter of the fibre decreases with the increase of the heating temperature and time. 97% 98% of Gd-doped TiO2 nanofibre is anatase. The photocatalysis results showed that the photocatalysis activity of Gd-doped TiO2 nanofibre is just a little lower than that of TiO2 powder.

Fabrication and magnetic properties of Ni_(0.5)Zn_(0.5)Fe_2O_4 nanofibres by electrospinning

NiZn ferrite/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite fibres were prepared by sol,el assisted electrospinning. Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanofibres with a pure cubic spinel structure were obtained subsequently by calcination of the composite fibres at high temperatures. This paper investigates the thermal decomposition process, structures and morphologies of the electrospun composite fibres and the calcined Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanofibres at different temperatures by thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The magnetic behaviour of the resultant nanofibres was studied by a vibrating sample magnetometer. It is found that the grain sizes of the nanofibres increase significantly and the nanofibre morphology graduMly transforms from a porous structure to a necklace-like nanostructure with the increase of calcination tempera-ture. The Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanofibres obtained at 1000℃ for 2h are characterized by a necklace-like morphology and diameters of 100-200nm. The saturation magnetization of the random Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanofibres increases from 46.5 to 90.2 emu/g when the calcination temperature increases from 450 to 1000℃. The coercivity reaches a maximum value of 11.0 kA/m at a calcination temperature of 600℃. Due to the shape anisotropy, the aligned Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanofibres exhibit an obvious magnetic anisotropy and the ease magnetizing direction is parallel to the nanofibre axis.

Facile Method to Prepare Metal Sulfide(Ag_2S,CuS,PbS) Nanoparticles Grown on Surface of Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibre and Their Optical Properties

Polyacrylonitrile-metal sulfide nanocomposites with metal sulfide（Ag2S, CuS, PbS） nanoparticles homo- geneously dispersed on the polyacrylonitrile（PAN） nanofibre were synthesized by means of electrospinning techno- logy combined with gas-solid reaction. A series of experiments was performed to characterize the morphology varia- tion and distribution of the nanocrystalline. The result shows that the concentration of metal salt aqueous solution affects the size and morphology of metal sulfide nanoparticles during the chelating process. Further more, these metal ions nanoparticles were attached to the surface of the nanofibre homogeneously through chelating effect which will be propitious to prevent nanoparticles from aggregation. These results suggest that the method reported here is ex- tremely effective for synthesizing PAN-metal sulfide nanocomposites which have good visible light photocatalytic activity. Further more, this method could be extended to prepare other PAN-metal halides nanocomposites, too.

Dielectric properties of electrospun titanium compound/polymer composite nanofibres

Poly（vinylpyrrolidone）/tetrabutyl titanate （PVP/ [CH3（CH2）3O]4Ti） composite nanofibres are prepared by electrospinning. After calcining parts of composite nanofibres in air at 700 ~℃, petal-like TiO2 nanostructures are obtained. The characterizations of composite nanofibres and TiO2 nanostructures are carried out by a scanning electron microscope, an x-ray diffractometer, and an infrared spectrometer. Electrospun nanofibres are pressed into pellets under different pressures in order to explore their dielectric properties. It is found that the dielectric constants decrease with frequency increasing. The dielectric constant of the composite nanofibre pellet increases whereas its dielectric loss tangent decreases due to the doped titanium ions compared with those of pure PVP nanofibre pellets. In addition, it is observed that the dielectric constant of the composite nanofibre pellet decreases with the increase of the pressure applied in pelletization.

Magnetic and Photocatalytic Behaviors of Ca Mn Co-Doped BiFeO₃Nanofibres

Ca and Mn co-doped BiFeO3 ultrafine nanofibres were prepared with the purpose of improving magnetic and photocatalytic performances of the one-dimensional multiferroic material. Impurity phase introduced by both Bi fluctuation and Mn substitution can be suppressed by Ca doping and a space group transition from R3c to C222 can also be triggered by Bi-site doping. With co-substitution of Mn into iron site, the Ca0.15Bi0.85Mn0.05Fe0.95O3 nanofibres presented a larger saturation magnetization than the singly Ca doping samples, possibly due to the increased double exchange interation of Fe3+-O-Fe2+, strengthened by Ca and Mn. Photocatalytic degradation test witnessed a similar drop-and-rise performance with the magnetism.

Preparation and Alkylation of Carbon Nanofibers from Polymethyl Methacrylate

Carbon nanofibers have revolutionized nanotechnology due to their potential applications in emerging frontiers of research and industrial sectors. This can be attributed to their superior properties such as higher mechanical strength, unique surface characteristics, and improved adherence that is transmitted into the polymer matrix to form a nanocomposite with improved properties. Polymethyl methacrylate is a common carbon source for the synthesis of carbon nanofibres of its high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and low moisture and water absorbing capacity that allows its products to have several applications. In this work, we report the successful electrospinning of carbon nanofibres from Poly methyl methacrylate and functionalizing the resulting carbon nanofibres. The functionalized carbon nanofibres were analyzed to determine their solubility/dispersion in selected organic solvents, then characterized using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy combined with Energy dispersive spectroscopy and Thermalgravimetric analysis.

Diphylleia Grayi-Inspired Intelligent Temperature-Responsive Transparent Nanofiber Membranes

Nanofiber membranes(NFMs) have become attractive candidates for next-generation flexible transparent materials due to their exceptional flexibility and breathability. However, improving the transmittance of NFMs is a great challenge due to the enormous reflection and incredibly poor transmission generated by the nanofiber-air interface. In this research, we report a general strategy for the preparation of flexible temperature-responsive transparent(TRT) membranes,which achieves a rapid transformation of NFMs from opaque to highly transparent under a narrow temperature window. In this process, the phase change material eicosane is coated on the surface of the polyurethane nanofibers by electrospray technology. When the temperature rises to 37 ℃, eicosane rapidly completes the phase transition and establishes the light transmission path between the nanofibers, preventing light loss from reflection at the nanofiber-air interface. The resulting TRT membrane exhibits high transmittance(> 90%), and fast response(5 s). This study achieves the first TRT transition of NFMs, offering a general strategy for building highly transparent nanofiber materials, shaping the future of next-generation intelligent temperature monitoring, anti-counterfeiting measures, and other high-performance devices.

Spatially engineering tri-layer nanofiber dressings featuring asymmetric wettability for wound healing

Inspired by the skin structure,an asymmetric wettability tri-layer nanofiber membrane(TNM)consisting of hydrophilic inner layer loaded with lidocaine hydrochloride(LID),hydrophobic middle layer with ciprofloxacin(CIP)and hydrophobic outer layer has been created.The hydrophobic outer layer endows the TNM with waterproof function and anti-adhesion from contaminants.The hydrophobic middle layer with CIP preserves long-term inhibition of bacteria growth and the hydrophilic inner layer with LID possesses optimal waterabsorbing capacity and air permeability.The TNM dramatically elevates the water contact angles from 10°(inner layer)to 120(outer layer),indicating an asymmetric wettability,which could directionally transport wound exudate within the materials and meanwhile maintain a comfortable and moist environment to promote wound healing.Furthermore,the sequential release of LID and CIP could relieve pain rapidly and achieve antibacterial effect in the long run,respectively.In addition,the TNM shows superior biocompatibility towards L929 cells.The in vivo results show the TNM could prevent infection,accelerate epithelial regeneration and significantly accelerate wound healing.This study indicates the developed TNM with asymmetrical wettability and synergetic drug release shows great potential as a wound dressing in clinical application.

Enhanced axonal regeneration and functional recovery of the injured sciatic nerve in a rat model by lithium-loaded electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds

Increasing evidence indicates that engineered nerve grafts have great potential for the regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries(PNIs).While most studies have focused only on the topographical features of the grafts,we have considered both the biophysical and biochemical manipulations in our applied nanoscaffold.To achieve this,we fabricated an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold(ENS)containing polylactide nanofibers loaded with lithium(Li)ions,a Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator.In addition,we seeded human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hADMSCs)onto this engineered scaffold to examine if their differentiation toward Schwann-like cells was induced.We further examined the efficacy of the scaffolds for nerve regeneration in vivo via grafting in a PNI rat model.Our results showed that Li-loaded ENSs gradually released Li within 11 d,at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to(3.64±0.10)mmol/L,and upregulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes(cyclinD1 and c-Myc)as well as those of Schwann cell markers(growth-associated protein 43(GAP43),S100 calcium binding protein B(S100B),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),and SRY-box transcription factor 10(SOX10))in differentiated hADMSCs.In the PNI rat model,implantation of Li-loaded ENSs with/without cells improved behavioral features such as sensory and motor functions as well as the electrophysiological characteristics of the injured nerve.This improved function was further validated by histological analysis of sciatic nerves grafted with Li-loaded ENSs,which showed no fibrous connective tissue but enhanced organized myelinated axons.The potential of Li-loaded ENSs in promoting Schwann cell differentiation of hADMSCs and axonal regeneration of injured sciatic nerves suggests their potential for application in peripheral nerve tissue engineering.

Highly Aligned Ternary Nanofiber Matrices Loaded with MXene Expedite Regeneration of Volumetric Muscle Loss

Current therapeutic approaches for volumetric muscle loss(VML)face challenges due to limited graft availability and insufficient bioactivities.To overcome these limitations,tissue-engineered scaffolds have emerged as a promising alternative.In this study,we developed aligned ternary nanofibrous matrices comprised of poly(lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)integrated with collagen and Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x)MXene nanoparticles(NPs)(PCM matrices),and explored their myogenic potential for skeletal muscle tissue regeneration.The PCM matrices demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties,including structural uniformity,alignment,microporosity,and hydrophilicity.In vitro assays revealed that the PCM matrices promoted cellular behaviors and myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts.Moreover,in vivo experiments demonstrated enhanced muscle remodeling and recovery in mice treated with PCM matrices following VML injury.Mechanistic insights from next-generation sequencing revealed that MXene NPs facilitated protein and ion availability within PCM matrices,leading to elevated intracellular Ca^(2+)levels in myoblasts through the activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS)and serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1(SGK1),ultimately promoting myogenic differentiation via the m TOR-AKT pathway.Additionally,upregulated i NOS and increased NO–contributed to myoblast proliferation and fiber fusion,thereby facilitating overall myoblast maturation.These findings underscore the potential of MXene NPs loaded within highly aligned matrices as therapeutic agents to promote skeletal muscle tissue recovery.

Embedding aligned nanofibrous architectures within 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds for directed cellular infiltration and tissue regeneration

Three-dimensional(3D) printing provides a promising way to fabricate biodegradable scaffolds with designer architectures for the regeneration of various tissues.However,the existing3D-printed scaffolds commonly suffer from weak cell-scaffold interactions and insufficient cell organizations due to the limited resolution of the 3D-printed features.Here,composite scaffolds with mechanically-robust frameworks and aligned nanofibrous architectures are presented and hybrid manufactured by combining techniques of 3D printing,electrospinning,and unidirectional freeze-casting.It was found that the composite scaffolds provided volume-stable environments and enabled directed cellular infiltration for tissue regeneration.In particular,the nanofibrous architectures with aligned micropores served as artificial extracellular matrix materials and improved the attachment,proliferation,and infiltration of cells.The proposed scaffolds can also support the adipogenic maturation of adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)in vitro.Moreover,the composite scaffolds were found to guide directed tissue infiltration and promote nearby neovascularization when implanted into a subcutaneous model of rats,and the addition of ADSCs further enhanced their adipogenic potential.The presented hybrid manufacturing strategy might provide a promising way to produce additional topological cues within 3D-printed scaffolds for better tissue regeneration.

Unleashing the healing potential:Exploring next-generation regenerative protein nanoscaffolds for burn wound recovery

Burn injury is a serious public health problem and scientists are continuously aiming to develop promising biomimetic dressings for effective burn wound management.In this study,a greater efficacy in burn wound healing and the associated mechanisms ofα-lactalbumin(ALA)based electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds(ENs)as compared to other regenerative protein scaffolds were established.Bovine serum albumin(BSA),collagen type I(COL),lysozyme(LZM)and ALA were separately blended with poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL)to fabricate four different composite ENs(LZM/PCL,BSA/PCL,COL/PCL and ALA/PCL ENs).The hydrophilic composite scaffolds exhibited an enhancedwettability and variablemechanical properties.The ALA/PCL ENs demonstrated higher levels of fibroblast proliferation and adhesion than the other composite ENs.As compared to PCL ENs and other composite scaffolds,the ALA/PCL ENs also promoted a better maturity of the regenerative skin tissues and showed a comparable wound healing effect to Collagen sponge^(■)on third-degree burn model.The enhanced wound healing activity of ALA/PCL ENs compared to other ENs could be attributed to their ability to promote serotonin production at wound sites.Collectively,this investigation demonstrated that ALA is a unique protein with a greater potential for burn wound healing as compared to other regenerative proteins when loaded in the nanofibrous scaffolds.

Oriented Organization of Poly(3-Hexylthiophene)for Efficient and Stable Antimony Sulfide Solar Cells

Poly(3-hexylthiophene)(P3HT),as a traditional organic hole-transporting material(HTM),is widely used in thin-film solar cells due to its high charge mobility and good thermal stability.However,the P3HT films obtained by the traditional method are amorphous,which is unfavorable to hole extraction and transport.Here,a low-toxicity solvent 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene(TMB)was used as the solvent instead of the commonly used halogen solvent chlorobenzene(CB)to dissolve P3HT.Thus,the self-assembled nanofibrous P3HT film was prepared and applied as HTM in the newly emerged Sb_(2)S_(3)solar cells.According to the density functional theory calculations,the interface contact between TMB-P3HT and Sb_(2)S_(3)was enhanced via the bonding interaction of S in P3HT and Sb in Sb_(2)S_(3).Through transient absorption spectroscopy characterization,the enhanced interface contact improves the charge extraction ability of TMB-P3HT when compared to the CB-P3HT film.Thus,the TMB-P3HT-based Sb_(2)S_(3)solar cell delivers a power conversion efficiency of 6.21%,which is 9.7%higher than that of the CB-P3HT-based device.Furthermore,the dopant-free TMB-P3HT-based Sb_(2)S_(3)devices exhibit excellent environmental stability compared with Spiro-OMeTAD-based devices.This work demonstrates that the application of P3HT and the solvent engineering of HTM are applicable strategies for developing Sb_(2)S_(3)solar cells with high efficiency and stability.

Electrocatalytic oxidation behavior of L-cysteine at Pt microparticles modified nanofibrous polyaniline film electrode

Platinum(Pt)/nanofibrous polyaniline(PANI) electrode was prepared by pulse galvanostatic method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy.The electrochemical behavior of L-cysteine at the Pt/nanofibrous PANI electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry.The results indicate that the pH value of the solution and the Pt loading of the electrode have great effect on the electrocatalytic property of the Pt /nanofibrous PANI electrode;the suitable Pt loading of the electrode is 600 μg/cm2 and the suitable pH value of the solution is 4.5 for investigating L-cysteine oxidation.The L-cysteine sensor based on the Pt/nanofibrous PANI electrode has a good selectivity,reproducibility and stability.The Pt/nanofibrous PANI electrode is highly sensitive to L-cysteine,and the linear calibration curve for the oxidation of L-cysteine can be observed in the range of 0.2-5.0 mmol/L.

Welding nanofiber and microsphere with carbon dioxide

Two types of micro/nano structures, microsphere and nanofibre, were prepared by elec- tro spinning technique and spray drying technique, with the soluble fluorinated poly （ ether ether ke- tone） （3F-PEEK） as the matrix. The micro/nano structures were exhibited in the scanning electron microscope （SEM） micrograghs, and the separated nanofibre and microsphere were observed. The sizes of micro/nano structures were measured by the statistical analysis method. We designed exper- iments to connect up all the micro/nano structures to form new three dimensional micro/nano struc- tures that were observed by SEM. In the experiments, supercritical carbon dioxide （ C02 ） was se- lected as the welding solvent. A series of nanofibers were welded to form three dimensional netlike structures, and the particles were welded to form a porous film. The welding processes were studied by varying the exposure temperature, and the welding mechanism was discussed.

Preparation and Characterization of the Electrospun Alginate Nanofibers

Due to some intrinsic functional behavior of alginate, many potential applications in the healthcare industry especially in wound care sector are observed. Many researches have been carried out to develop potential biomedical biocompatible products in different forms from alginate fibres. Alginate nanofibres were prepared from sodium alginate polymer with the presence of poly-(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a small amount of Triton ×100 surfactant. A homogeneous spinning solution was prepared for producing Na-alginate/PEO nanofibers in electrospinning device. Nanofibres were produced by electrospinning from 70:30 and 80:20 Na-alginate/PEO of 4% solution. After a series of trials, the electrospinning parameters were optimized at 16 cm working distance, 0.4 mL/h flow rate and 10.5 kV applied voltage. The results show that the 4 wt% of 70:30 Na-alginate/PEO solution with 0.5 wt% Triton × 100 surfactant yielded smooth and stable electrospinning. The surface morphology of the fibres was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and found the uniform fibres with an average diameter of 124 nm containing few thick or spindle-like fibres. FTIR investigation identified the chemical structure and molecular changes that occurred in the fibers.

Patterned Nanofoam Fabrication from a Variety of Materials via Femtosecond Laser Pulses

High-repetition-rate femtosecond lasers enable the precise production of nanofoam from a wide range of materials. Here, the laser-based fabrication of nanofoam from silicon, borosilicate glass, sodalime glass, gallium lanthanum sulphide and lithium niobate is demonstrated, where the pore size of the nanofoam is shown to depend strongly on the material used, such that the pore width and nanofibre width appear to increase with density and thermal expansion coefficient of the material. In addition, the patterning of nanofoam on a glass slide, with fabricated pattern pixel resolution of ~35 μm, is demonstrated.

Electrospun nanofibers as a wound dressing for treating diabetic foot ulcer

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world with high-mortality and complex complications including diabetic foot ulcer(DFU). It has been reported that the difficulties in repairing the wound related to DFU has much relationship with the wound infection,change of inflammatory responses, lack of extracellular matrix(ECM), and the failure of angiogenesis. Following the development of medical materials and pharmaceutical technology, nanofibers has been developed by electrospinning with huge porosity, excellent humidity absorption, a better oxygen exchange rate, and some antibacterial activities. That is to say, as a potential material, nanofibers must be a wonderful candidate for the DFU treatment with so many benefits. Careful selection of polymers from natural resource and synthetic resource can widen the nanofibrous application. Popular methods applied for the nanofibrous fabrication consist of uniaxial electrospinning and coaxial electrospinning. Furthermore, nanofibers loading chemical, biochemical active pharmaceutical ingredient(API)or even stem cells can be wonderful dosage forms for the treatment of DFU. This review summarizes the present techniques applied in the fabrication of nanofibrous dressing(ND)that utilizes a variety of materials and active agents to offer a better health care for the patients suffering from DFU.