Study of the Optical Properties of Electrospun PAN/GO Nanocomposites

Abstract:

Polymer nanocomposites with unique optical properties are currently one of the materials most desired by the industry. An effective method of producing this type of materials is the method of electrospinning from a solution or melted polymers, which allows to obtain a nanocomposite in the form of a mat composed of nanofibers. This paper describes the process of producing nanofibers from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and composite thin nanofiber mats from PAN with the addition of graphene oxide (GO) particles using the electrospinning method. In addition, the aim of the work was to investigate the influence of process parameters and filler on the morphology and optical properties of the nanomaterial. By changing the configuration of the distance between the nozzle and the collector (10 and 20 cm) and keeping the remaining parameters of the electrospinning process constant, two PAN polymer samples and two PAN/GO composite samples were manufactured. The analysis of the chemical composition and morphology of the obtained materials was performed using X-ray microanalysis (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. In order to examine the chemical structure of the polymer and composite nanofibers, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used. The analysis of the optical properties and the energy band gap of the prepared nanofibers was determined by spectral analysis using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The research showed a significant influence of the filler on the morphology.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 326)
• Pages: 17-31
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.326.17
• Online since: November 2021
• Authors: Tomasz Tański, Wiktor Matysiak, Weronika Smok*, Zaborowska Marta
• Keywords: Electrospinning, Graphene Oxide, Nanocomposite, Nanofibers, Nanomaterials, Optical Properties

References

[1] W. Matysiak, T. Tański, P. Jarka, M. Nowak, M. Kępińska, and P. Szperlich, Comparison of optical properties of PAN/TiO2, PAN/Bi2O3, and PAN/SbSI nanofibers, Opt. Mater. (Amst). 83 (2018)145–151.

DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2018.05.055

[2] D. N. Phan et al., A review on the fabrication of several carbohydrate polymers into nanofibrous structures using electrospinning for removal of metal ions and dyes, Carbohydr. Polym. 252 (2021) 117175.

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117175

[3] P. Jarka, T. Tański, W. Matysiak, Ł. Krzemiński, B. Hajduk, and M. Bilewicz, Manufacturing and investigation of surface morphology and optical properties of composite thin films reinforced by TiO 2 , Bi 2 O 3 and SiO 2 nanoparticles, Appl. Surf. Sci. 424 (2017) 206–212.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.03.232

[4] T. Tański, W. Matysiak, and P. Jarka, Introductory Chapter: Electrospinning-smart Nanofiber Mats, in: Electrospinning Method Used to Create Functional Nanocomposites Films, InTech, (2018).

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.77198

[5] B. Xu et al., Electrospinning preparation of PAN/TiO2/PANI hybrid fiber membrane with highly selective adsorption and photocatalytic regeneration properties, Chem. Eng. J., 399, (2020)125749.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.125749

[6] O. Mukongo Mpukuta, K. Dincer, and M. Okan Erdal, Investigation of electrical conductivity of PAN nanofibers containing silica nanoparticles produced by electrospinning method, Mater. Today Proc. 18 (2019) 1927–(1935).

DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2019.06.683

[7] W. Zhang et al., Carbon-encapsulated 1D SnO2/NiO heterojunction hollow nanotubes as high-performance anodes for sodium-ion batteries, Chem. Eng. J. 348 (2018) 599–607.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2018.05.024

[8] X. X. Wang, G. F. Yu, J. Zhang, M. Yu, S. Ramakrishna, and Y. Z. Long, Conductive polymer ultrafine fibers via electrospinning: Preparation, physical properties and applications,, Prog. Mater. Sci. 115 (2021) 100704.

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2020.100704

[9] S. Zhu and L. Nie, Progress in fabrication of one-dimensional catalytic materials by electrospinning technology, J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 93 (2021) 28–56.

[10] L.A. Mercante, V.P. Scagion, F.L. Migliorini, L.H.C. Mattoso, and D.S. Correa, Electrospinning-based (bio)sensors for food and agricultural applications: A review, TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry, vol. 91 (2017) 91–103.

DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2017.04.004

[11] Q. Liu, J. Zhu, L. Zhang, and Y. Qiu, Recent advances in energy materials by electrospinning, Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev., 81 (2018) 1825–1858.

[12] C. Bavatharani et al., Electrospinning technique for production of polyaniline nanocomposites/nanofibres for multi-functional applications: A review, Synth. Met., 271 (2020) 116609.

DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2020.116609

[13] A. D. Juncos Bombin, N. J. Dunne, and H. O. McCarthy, Electrospinning of natural polymers for the production of nanofibres for wound healing applications, Mater. Sci. Eng. C. 114. (2020) 110994.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110994

[14] D. H. Reneker, A. L. Yarin, E. Zussman, and H. Xu, Electrospinning of Nanofibers from Polymer Solutions and Melts, Adv. Appl. Mech. 41 (2007) 43–346.

DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2156(07)41002-x

[15] O. O. Dosunmu, G. G. Chase, W. Kataphinan, and D. H. Reneker, Electrospinning of polymer nanofibres from multiple jets on a porous tubular surface, Nanotechnology, 17 (2006) 1123–1127.

DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/17/4/046

[16] A. L. Yarin, S. Koombhongse, and D. H. Reneker, Taylor cone and jetting from liquid droplets in electrospinning of nanofibers, J. Appl. Phys. 90 (2001) 4836–4846.

DOI: 10.1063/1.1408260

[17] J. Doshi and D. H. Reneker, Electrospinning process and applications of electrospun fibers, J. Electrostat. 35 (1995) 151–160.

DOI: 10.1016/0304-3886(95)00041-8

[18] D. H. Reneker and A. L. Yarin, Electrospinning jets and polymer nanofibers, Polymer, vol. 49 (2008) 2387–2425.

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2008.02.002

[19] Z. L. Wang, L. Dai, and D. H. Reneker, Polymer Nanowires and Nanofibers, in Nanowires and Nanobelts, Springer US, 269–288, (2003).

DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-28747-8_15

[20] N. Bhardwaj and S. C. Kundu, Electrospinning: A fascinating fiber fabrication technique, Biotech. Adv. 28 (2010) 325–347.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2010.01.004

[21] J. Xue, T. Wu, Y. Dai, and Y. Xia, Electrospinning and electrospun nanofibers: Methods, materials, and applications, Chem. Rev. 119 (2019) 5298–5415.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00593

[22] G. Yang, X. Li, Y. He, J. Ma, G. Ni, and S. Zhou, From nano to micro to macro: Electrospun hierarchically structured polymeric fibers for biomedical applications, Prog. Polym. Sci. 81 (2018). 80–113.

DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2017.12.003

[23] A. G. Alvarado and G. Chauhan, Nanofiber alignment for biomedical applications, Materials Today Proceedings, (2020).

[24] S. Agarwal, A. Greimer, and J. H. Wendorff, Electrospinning of manmade and biopolymer nanofibers - Progress in techniques, materials, and applications, Adv. Funct. Mater. 19 (2009) 2863–2879.

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.200900591

[25] R. Ghafari, R. Scaffaro, A. Maio, E. F. Gulino, G. Lo Re, and M. Jonoobi, Processing-structure-property relationships of electrospun PLA-PEO membranes reinforced with enzymatic cellulose nanofibers, Polym. Test. 81 (2020) 106182.

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2019.106182

[26] P. Philip, E. Tomlal Jose, J. K. Chacko, K. C. Philip, and P. C. Thomas, Preparation and characterisation of surface roughened PMMA electrospun nanofibers from PEO - PMMA polymer blend nanofibers, Polym. Test. 7 (2019) 257–265.

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2019.01.009

[27] M. Yanilmaz, C. Chen, and X. Zhang, Fabrication and characterization of SiO2/PVDF composite nanofiber-coated PP nonwoven separators for lithium-ion batteries, J. Polym. Sci. Part B Polym. Phys. 51 (2013) 1719–1726.

DOI: 10.1002/polb.23387

[28] M. Yanilmaz, Y. Lu, J. Zhu, and X. Zhang, Silica/polyacrylonitrile hybrid nanofiber membrane separators via sol-gel and electrospinning techniques for lithium-ion batteries, J. Power Sour. 313 (2016) 205–212.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.02.089

[29] C. Wang, Y. Tong, Z. Sun, Y. Xin, E. Yan, and Z. Huang, Preparation of one-dimensional TiO2 nanoparticles within polymer fiber matrices by electrospinning, Mater. Lett. 61 (2007) 5125–5128.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2007.04.051

[30] A. E. Deniz, H. A. Vural, B. Ortaç, and T. Uyar, Gold nanoparticle/polymer nanofibrous composites by laser ablation and electrospinning, Mater. Lett. 65 (2011) 2941–2943.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2011.06.045

[31] J. Bai, Y. Li, C. Zhang, X. Liang, and Q. Yang, Preparing AgBr nanoparticles in poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) nanofibers, Colloids Surfaces A Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 329 (2008) 165–168.

DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2008.07.010

[32] J. J. Ahire, D. D. Robertson, A. J. van Reenen, and L. M. T. Dicks, Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-hyaluronic acid (HA) nanofibers with kanamycin inhibits the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Biomed. Pharmacother. 86 (2017) 143–148.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.006

[33] Z. Zhang, Y. Wu, Z. Wang, X. Zou, Y. Zhao, and L. Sun, Fabrication of silver nanoparticles embedded into polyvinyl alcohol (Ag/PVA) composite nanofibrous films through electrospinning for antibacterial and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities, Mater. Sci. Eng. C. 69 (2016) 462–469.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.07.015

[34] A. M. Abdel-Mohsen, D. Pavliňák, M. Čileková, P. Lepcio, R. M. Abdel-Rahman, and J. Jančář, Electrospinning of hyaluronan/polyvinyl alcohol in presence of in-situ silver nanoparticles: Preparation and characterization, Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 139 (2019) 730–739.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.07.205

[35] T. Istirohah, S. W. Himmah, and M. Diantoro, Fabrication of Aligned PAN/TiO2 Fiber using Electric Electrospinning (EES), in: Materials Today: Proceedings, 2019, 13, p.211–216.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2019.03.216

[36] L. Shi et al., High-performance triboelectric nanogenerator based on electrospun PVDF-graphene nanosheet composite nanofibers for energy harvesting, Nano Ener. 80 (2021) 105599.

DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.105599

[37] A. Baji, Y. W. Mai, S. C. Wong, M. Abtahi, and P. Chen, Electrospinning of polymer nanofibers: Effects on oriented morphology, structures and tensile properties, Compos. Sci. Tech.70 (2010) 703–718.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2010.01.010

[38] M. Lewandowska and K. Kurzydłowski, Nanomateriały inżynierskie konstrukcyjne i funkcjonalne. Wydawnictwo naukowe PWN, Warszawa, (2010).

[39] W. Matysiak, T. Tanski, and W. Smok, Electrospinning as a versatile method of composite thin films fabrication for selected applications, Solid State Phenom., 293 (2019) 35–49.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/ssp.293.35

[40] T. Subbiah, G. S. Bhat, R. W. Tock, S. Parameswaran, and S. S. Ramkumar, Electrospinning of nanofibers, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 96 (2005) 557–569.

DOI: 10.1002/app.21481

[41] M.M. Hohman, M. Shin, G. Rutledge, and M. P. Brenner, Electrospinning and electrically forced jets. I. Stability theory, Phys. Fluids. 13 (2001) 2201–2220.

DOI: 10.1063/1.1383791

[42] Y.Z. Long, X. Yan, X.X. Wang, J. Zhang, and M. Yu, Chapter 2 - Electrospinning: The Setup and Procedure. Elsevier Inc., (2019).

[43] B. Ding, E. Kimura, T. Sato, S. Fujita, and S. Shiratori, Fabrication of blend biodegradable nanofibrous nonwoven mats via multi-jet electrospinning, Polymer (Guildf). 45 (2004) 1895–(1902).

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2004.01.026

[44] S. A. Theron, A.L. Yarin, E. Zussman, and E. Kroll, Multiple jets in electrospinning: Experiment and modeling, Polymer (Guildf)., vol. 46 (2005) 2889–2899.

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2005.01.054

[45] V. Eskizeybek, A. Yar, and A. Avcı, CNT-PAN hybrid nanofibrous mat interleaved carbon/epoxy laminates with improved Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness, Compos. Sci. Technol. 157 (2018) 30–39.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2018.01.021

[46] A. Mohamed et al., Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and enhanced mechanical properties of PAN/CNTs composite nanofibers, Sep. Purif. Technol. 182 (2017) 219–223.

DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2017.03.051

[47] L. Li et al., Flexible and alternant-layered cellulose nanofiber/graphene film with superior thermal conductivity and efficient electromagnetic interference shielding, Compos. Part A Appl. Sci. Manuf.139 (2020). 106134.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2020.106134

[48] J.D. Badia, R. Teruel-Juanes, Y. Echegoyen, S. Torres-Giner, J.M. Lagarón, and A. Ribes-Greus, Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the dielectric permittivity and segmental motions of electrospun poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) nanofibers, Polym. Degrad. Stab. (2020) 109404.

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2020.109404

[49] S. D. Mustafov, A.K. Mohanty, M. Misra, and M.Ö. Seydibeyoğlu, Fabrication of conductive Lignin/PAN carbon nanofiber with enhanced graphene for the modified electrode, Carbon N. Y. 147 (2019) 262–275.

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2019.02.058

[50] M. Heidari, S.H. Bahrami, M. Ranjbar-Mohammadi, and P.B. Milan, Smart electrospun nanofibers containing PCL/gelatin/graphene oxide for application in nerve tissue engineering, Mater. Sci. Eng. C. 103 (2019) 109768.

DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.109768

[51] A. Mirmohseni, M. Azizi, and M. S. S. Dorraji, Cationic graphene oxide nanosheets intercalated with polyaniline nanofibers: A promising candidate for simultaneous anticorrosion, antistatic, and antibacterial applications, Prog. Org. Coat. 139 (2020) 105419.

DOI: 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2019.105419

[52] Z. Q. Feng, X. Yuan, and T. Wang, Porous polyacrylonitrile/graphene oxide nanofibers designed for high efficient adsorption of chromium ions (VI) in aqueous solution, Chem. Eng. J. 392 (2020) 123730.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2019.123730

[53] Y. N. Kim et al., Flame retardant, antimicrobial, and mechanical properties of multifunctional polyurethane nanofibers containing tannic acid-coated reduced graphene oxide, Polym. Test., vol. 93 (2021) 107006.

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.107006

[54] J. Yang et al., Piezoelectric Nanogenerators based on Graphene Oxide/PVDF Electrospun Nanofiber with Enhanced Performances by In-Situ Reduction, Mater. Today Commun. (2020 )101629.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101629

[55] E. J. Ra, K. H. An, K. K. Kim, S. Y. Jeong, and Y. H. Lee, Anisotropic electrical conductivity of MWCNT/PAN nanofiber paper, Chem. Phys. Lett. 413 (2005) 188–193.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2005.07.061

[56] A. I. Abd-Elhamid, M. R. El-Aassar, G. F. El Fawal, and H. M. A. Soliman, Fabrication of polyacrylonitrile/β-cyclodextrin/graphene oxide nanofibers composite as an efficient adsorbent for cationic dye, Environ. Nanotech. Monit. Manag. 11 (2019) 100207.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2018.100207

[57] H. Karimiyan, A. Uheida, M. Hadjmohammadi, M. M. Moein, and M. Abdel-Rehim, Polyacrylonitrile / graphene oxide nanofibers for packed sorbent microextraction of drugs and their metabolites from human plasma samples, Talanta. 201 (2019) 474–479.

DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.04.027

[58] V. E. Kalayci, P. K. Patra, Y. K. Kim, S. C. Ugbolue, and S. B. Warner, Charge consequences in electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers, Polymer (Guildf). 46 (2005) 7191–7200.

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2005.06.041

[59] A. Buer, S. C. Ugbolue, and S. B. Warner, Electrospinning and Properties of Some Nanofibers, Text. Res. J. 71 (2001). 323–328.

DOI: 10.1177/004051750107100408

[60] N. Sirelkhatim, A. Parveen, D. LaJeunesse, D. Yu, and L. Zhang, Polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous mat from electrospinning: Born with potential anti-fungal functionality, Eur. Polym. J. 119 (2019) 176–180.

DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2019.07.035

[61] S. Almuhamed et al., Electrospinning composite nanofibers of polyacrylonitrile/synthetic Na-montmorillonite, J. Ind. Eng. Chem. 35 (2016) 146–152.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2015.12.024

[62] Z. Zhang, H. C. Schniepp, and D. H. Adamson, Characterization of graphene oxide: Variations in reported approaches, Carbon. 154 (2019) 510–521.

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2019.07.103

[63] S. H. Kang, T. H. Fang, and Z. H. Hong, Electrical and mechanical properties of graphene oxide on flexible substrate, J. Phys. Chem. Solids. 74 (2013) 1783–1793.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2013.07.009

[64] K. N. Kudin, B. Ozbas, H. C. Schniepp, R. K. Prud'homme, I. A. Aksay, and R. Car, Raman spectra of graphite oxide and functionalized graphene sheets, Nano Lett. 8 (2008) 36–41.

DOI: 10.1021/nl071822y

[65] G. Wang, B. Wang, J. Park, J. Yang, X. Shen, and J. Yao, Synthesis of enhanced hydrophilic and hydrophobic graphene oxide nanosheets by a solvothermal method, Carbon N. Y. 47 (2009) 68–72.

DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2008.09.002

[66] D. A. Dikin et al., Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide paper, Nature. 448 (2007) 457–460.

[67] P. Heikkilä and A. Harlin, Electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution: Effect of conductive additive and filler on the process, Express Polym. Lett. 3 (2009) 437–445.

DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2009.53

[68] J. Zhang et al., Graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile fiber hierarchical-structured membrane for ultra-fast microfiltration of oil-water emulsion, Chem. Eng. J. 307 (2017) 643–649.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2016.08.124

[69] A. Amir et al., Microstructure of fibres pressure-spun from polyacrylonitrile–graphene oxide composite mixtures, Compos. Sci. Technol. 197 (2020) 108214.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2020.108214

[70] J. Li, Y. Hu, H. Qiu, G. Yang, S. Zheng, and J. Yang, Coaxial electrospun fibres with graphene oxide/PAN shells for self-healing waterborne polyurethane coatings, Prog. Org. Coat. 131 (2019) 227–231.

DOI: 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2019.02.033

[71] X. Fan et al., Electrospun reduced graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile membrane for high-performance solar evaporation, Sol. Energy. 209 (2020) 325–333.

DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2020.09.013

[72] E. Aliyev, V. Filiz, M. M. Khan, Y. J. Lee, C. Abetz, and V. Abetz, Structural characterization of graphene oxide: Surface functional groups and fractionated oxidative debris, Nanomaterials, 9 (2019) 1180.

DOI: 10.3390/nano9081180

[73] L. A. Pérez, N. Bajales, and G. I. Lacconi, Raman spectroscopy coupled with AFM scan head: A versatile combination for tailoring graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide hybrid materials, Appl. Surf. Sci. 495 (2019) 143539.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.143539

[74] A. Y. Lee et al., Raman study of D* band in graphene oxide and its correlation with reduction, Appl. Surf. Sci. 536 (2021) 147990.

[75] R. Nayak, R. Padhye, and L. Arnold, Melt-electrospinning of nanofibers, in: Electrospun Nanofibers, Elsevier Inc., 2017, p.11–40.

DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-08-100907-9.00002-7

[76] S. Tas, O. Kaynan, E. Ozden-Yenigun, and K. Nijmeijer, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/crown ether composite nanofibers for the selective adsorption of cations, RSC Adv. 6 (2016) 3608–3616.

DOI: 10.1039/c5ra23214g

[77] J. Zhang, Z. Lu, M. Wu, Q. Wu, and J. Yang, Large-scale synthesis and characterization of magnetic poly(acrylic acid) nanogels via miniemulsion polymerization, RSC Adv., vol. 5, no. 72 (2015) 58889–58894.

DOI: 10.1039/c5ra09494a

[78] T. Tański, W. Matysiak, and Ł. Krzemiński, Analysis of optical properties of TiO2 nanoparticles and PAN/TiO2 composite nanofibers, Mater. Manuf. Process. 32 (2017) 1218–1224.

DOI: 10.1080/10426914.2016.1257129

[79] S. Lei, S. Zhong, Y. Wang, Y. Tong, and L. Xu, Preparation of monodisperse reduced graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile composite and its thermal-induced structural transformation, Mater. Lett. 161 (2015) 108–111.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2015.08.039

[80] W. Matysiak, T. Tański, W. Smok, K. Gołombek, E. Schab-Balcerzak, Effect of conductive polymers on the optical properties of electrospun polyacrylonitryle nanofibers filled by polypyrrole, polythiophene and polyaniline, Appl. Surf. Sci. 509 (2020) 145068.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.145068