Search Results (1,286)

Severe polysulfide shuttling and sluggish redox kinetics critically hinder lithium–sulfur (Li-S) battery commercialization. In this study, a multifunctional diatomite (DE)/TiO₂/MoS₂/N-doped carbon nanofiber (NCNF) composite separator was fabricated via hydrothermal synthesis, electrospinning, and carbonization. DE provides dual polysulfide suppression, encompassing microporous confinement and electrostatic repulsion. By integrating synergistic catalytic effects from TiO₂ and MoS₂ nanoparticles, which accelerate polysulfide conversion, and conductive NCNF networks, which facilitate rapid charge transfer, this hierarchical design achieves exceptional electrochemical performance: a 1245.6 mAh g⁻¹ initial capacity at 0.5 C and 65.94% retention after 200 cycles. This work presents a rational multi-component engineering strategy to suppress shuttle effects in high-energy-density Li-S batteries. Full article

Achieving carbon neutrality requires not only reducing CO₂ emissions but also capturing atmospheric CO₂. Direct air capture (DAC) using amine-based adsorbents has emerged as a promising approach. In this study, we developed amine-epoxy/poly(vinyl alcohol) (AE/PVA) nanofibers via electrospinning and in situ thermal polymerization. PVA was incorporated to enhance spinnability, and B-staging of AE enabled fiber formation without inline heating. We systematically investigated the effects of electrospinning parameters, epoxy-to-amine ratios (E/A), and the degree of PVA saponification on CO₂ adsorption performance. Thinner fibers, obtained by adjusting spinning conditions, exhibited faster adsorption kinetics due to increased surface area. Varying the E/A revealed a trade-off between adsorption capacity and low-temperature desorption efficiency, with secondary amines offering a balanced performance. Additionally, highly saponified PVA improved thermal durability by minimizing side reactions with amines. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing fiber morphology, chemical composition, and polymer properties to enhance the performance and stability of AE/PVA nanofibers for DAC applications. Full article

The escalating consumption of fossil fuels and the rapid development of portable electronics have increased interest in alternative energy solutions that can sustainably self-power wearable devices. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which convert mechanical energy into electricity through contact electrification and electrostatic induction, have emerged as a promising technology due to their high voltage output, lightweight design, and simple fabrication. However, the performance of TENGs is often limited by a low surface charge density, inadequate dielectric properties, and poor charge retention of triboelectric materials. To address these challenges, recent research has focused on the use of polymer composites that incorporate various functional fillers. The filler materials play roles in improving dielectric performance and enhancing mechanical durability, thereby boosting triboelectric output even in harsh environments, while also diminishing charge loss. This review comprehensively examines the role of polymer composite design in TENG performance, with particular emphasis on materials categorized by their triboelectric polarity. Tribo-negative polymers, such as PDMS and PVDF, benefit from filler incorporation and phase engineering to enhance surface charge density and charge retention. By contrast, tribo-positive materials like nylon and cellulose have demonstrated notable improvements in mechanical robustness and environmental stability through composite strategies. The interplay between material selection, surface engineering, and filler design is highlighted as a critical path toward developing high-performance, self-powered TENG systems. Finally, this review discusses the current challenges and future opportunities for advancing TENG technology toward practical and scalable applications. Full article

This study aimed to develop and characterize biodegradable films based on potato starch reinforced with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers, with the goal of improving their mechanical and thermal properties for potential use in sustainable packaging. The films were prepared through the thermal gelatinization of starch extracted from tubers, combined with nanofibers obtained by electrospinning CMC synthesized from potato starch. Key electrospinning variables, including solution concentration, voltage, distance, and flow rate, were analyzed. The films were morphologically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemically analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and their thermal properties were assessed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated an increase in tensile strength to 14.1 MPa in the reinforced films, compared to 13.6 MPa for pure starch and 7.1 MPa for the fiber-free CMC blend. The nanofibers had an average diameter of 63.3 nm and a porosity of 32.78%. A reduction in crystallinity and more stable thermal behavior were also observed in the composite materials. These findings highlight the potential of using agricultural waste as a functional reinforcement in biopolymers, providing a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. Full article

The increasing demand for light and comfort smart wearable devices has promoted the cross-integration of textile technology with nanomaterials and nanotechnology. As a potential candidate with excellent piezoelectricity, PVDF has been processed into different forms used for flexible sensors but shows limited practicality due to their discomfort and stiffness from non-yarn level. In this study, PVDF/BN nanofiber yarns (NFYs) were successfully fabricated via conjugated electrospinning. The effects of BN concentration, stretching temperature, and stretching ratio on the structural morphology and mechanical performance of the NFYs were systematically investigated. The results show that under the stretching temperature of 140 °C and stretching ratios of 3.5, smooth 1% PVDF/BN NFYs with highly oriented inner nanofibers can be successfully fabricated, and the breaking strength and elongation of composite NFYs reached 129.5 ± 8.1 MPa and 22.4 ± 3.8%, respectively, 667% higher than the breaking strength of pure PVDF nanoyarns. Hence, with the selection of appropriate nanofiller amounts and optimized post-treatment process, the structure and mechanical property of PVDF NFYs can be significantly improved, and this study provides an effective strategy to fabricate high-performance nanoyarns, which is favorable to potential applications in wearable electronic devices and flexible piezoelectric sensors. Full article

Electrospun nanofiber-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a highly promising class of self-powered sensors for a broad range of applications, particularly in intelligent sensing technologies. By combining the advantages of electrospinning and triboelectric nanogenerators, these sensors offer superior characteristics such as high sensitivity, mechanical flexibility, lightweight structure, and biocompatibility, enabling their integration into wearable electronics and biomedical interfaces. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent progress in electrospun nanofiber-based TENGs, covering their working principles, operating modes, and material composition. Both pure polymer and composite nanofibers are discussed, along with various electrospinning techniques that enable control over morphology and performance at the nanoscale. We explore their practical implementations in both contact-type and non-contact-type sensing, such as human–machine interaction, physiological signal monitoring, gesture recognition, and voice detection. These applications demonstrate the potential of TENGs to enable intelligent, low-power, and real-time sensing systems. Furthermore, this paper points out critical challenges and future directions, including durability under long-term operation, scalable and cost-effective fabrication, and seamless integration with wireless communication and artificial intelligence technologies. With ongoing advancements in nanomaterials, fabrication techniques, and system-level integration, electrospun nanofiber-based TENGs are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of self-powered, intelligent sensing platforms across diverse fields such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, robotics, and smart wearable systems. Full article

Polymeric composite solutions (PCSs) reinforced with carbon nanotubes sponges (CNT-sponges) have attracted interest in material science and engineering due to their physicochemical properties. Understanding the influence of CNT-sponges content (0.1 wt.%, 0.3 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%) on rheological behavior of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) P(S:AN) (0:100, 20:80, 40:60 and 50:50, wt.%:wt.%) solutions synthesized by emulsion polymerization can predict the viscoelastic parameters for their possible application in electrospinning processes. The obtained nanofibers can be used as sensors, textiles, purifying agents or artificial muscles and tissues. For this, amplitude and frequency sweeps were performed to measure the viscosity (η), storage (G’) and loss (G”) moduli and loss factor (tan δ). Most PCSs showed a shear thinning behavior over the viscosity range of 0.8 < η/Pa·s < 20. At low CNT-sponges concentration in the polymer matrix, the obtained loss factor indicated a liquid-like behavior, while as CNT-sponges content increases, the solid-like behavior predominated. Then, the polymeric solutions were successfully electrospun; however, some agglomerations were formed in materials containing 0.5 wt.% of CNT-sponges attributed to the interaction forces generated within the structure. Finally, the rheological analysis indicates that the PCS with a low percentage of CNT-sponges are highly suitable to be electrospun. Full article

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing porous nanofibers with a high specific surface area, making them ideal for several tissue engineering applications. Although Raman spectroscopy has been widely employed to characterize electrospun materials, but most studies report bulk-averaged properties without addressing the spatial heterogeneity of their chemical composition. Raman imaging has emerged as a promising tool to overcome this limitation; however, challenges remain, including limited sensitivity for detecting minor components, reliance on distinctive high-intensity bands, and the frequent use of commercial software. In this study, we present a methodology based on Raman hyperspectral image processing using open-source software (Python), capable of identifying components present at concentrations as low as 2% and 5%, even in the absence of exclusive bands of high or medium intensity, respectively. The proposed approach integrates spectral segmentation, end member extraction via the N-FINDR algorithm, and analysis of average spectra to map and characterize the chemical heterogeneity within electrospun fibers. Finally, its performance is compared with the traditional approach based on band intensities, highlighting improvements in sensitivity and the detection of weak signals. Full article

Introduction: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is commonly performed to treat paranasal sinus diseases, often necessitating nasal packing to control bleeding and aid healing. However, current materials can cause discomfort or lack adequate antibacterial properties. This study aimed to develop a biodegradable, biocompatible nasal packing material by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carbon dots (CDs), and to evaluate its antibacterial activity and tissue compatibility. Materials and Methods: Electrospun nanofiber membranes were fabricated using PVA and biomass-derived CDs. Antibacterial efficacy of nasal packing variants (PVA, PVA-chitosan [CS], PVA-CS-CDs-1 mL, and PVA-CS-CDs-2 mL) was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. The in vivo biocompatibility was evaluated via histological analysis following implantation into the nasal cavity of mice. Results: All materials demonstrated antibacterial activity, with PVA-CS-CDs-2 mL showing the largest inhibition zones. Histological examination revealed minimal epithelial damage and no inflammation, with PVA-CS-CDs-2 mL yielding the most favorable tissue response. Conclusion: The PVA-CS-CDs composite demonstrates potential as a biocompatible, antibacterial nasal packing material. Further studies are warranted to validate its long-term clinical utility. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autopolymerizing poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin is widely used in provisional restorations; however, its inadequate mechanical properties represent a significant limitation. This study aimed to develop electrospun fibers with chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and to evaluate the effect of fiber reinforcement on the mechanical and physical properties of a commercially available PMMA resin. Methods: Electrospinning was employed to produce nanofibers containing 0.02 wt% and 0.05 wt% rGO within a PMMA matrix. Fiber characterization was performed using SEM-EDS, XRD, TGA/DTG, and FTIR. Following characterization, the fibers were blended into PMMA resin at 1%, 2.5%, and 5% (by weight). The resulting fiber-reinforced composites were tested for flexural strength, elastic modulus, surface roughness, and Vickers microhardness. Results: The addition of 1% and 2.5% PMMA/rGO-0.02 fibers and 1% PMMA/rGO-0.05 fibers significantly improved the flexural strength of PMMA compared with the control group (p < 0.05). A statistically significant increase in elastic modulus was observed only in the group containing 1% PMMA/rGO-0.02 fibers (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in surface roughness or microhardness between the control and experimental groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Incorporating electrospun PMMA-rGO fibers into PMMA resin enhances flexural properties at low concentrations without altering surface characteristics. These findings suggest that such fiber-reinforced systems hold promises for improving the mechanical performance and functional longevity of provisional dental restorations under clinical conditions. Full article

Electrochemical formation of ceria (mixed Ce₂O₃ and CeO₂) coatings on different types of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) (based on graphite (C110), carbon nanotubes (CNT), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF), and mesoporous carbon (MC)) were studied. Their potential applications as catalysts for various redox reactions and electrochemical sensors were investigated. The ceria oxide layers were electrodeposited on SPCEs at various current densities and deposition time. The morphology, structure, and chemical composition in the bulk of the ceria layers were studied by SEM and EDS methods. XRD was used to identify the formed phases. The concentration, chemical composition and chemical state of the elements on the surface of studied samples were characterized by XPS. It was established that the increase of the concentration of CeCl₃ in the solution and the cathode current density strongly affected the surface structure and concentration (relation between Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺, respectively) in the formed ceria layers. At low concentration of CeCl₃ (0.1M) and low values of cathode current density (0.5 mA·cm⁻²), porous samples were obtained, while with their increase, the ceria coatings grew denser. Full article

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as an emerging energy harvesting device, can efficiently convert the weak mechanical energy in the environment into electrical energy, demonstrating significant potential in self-powered systems. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber films mixed with a small amount of n-propyl gallate (PG) were prepared by using the electrospinning technique, and TENGs were fabricated based on these films. Unexpectedly, experimental results showed that PG (with 0.5–2.5 wt%) did not affect the β phase of the PVDF. However, the TENG based on PVDF/PG composite nanofiber film with 1 wt% PG (PG1-TENG) exhibited large output values of 334 V, 4.36 μA, and 78.4 nC for output voltage, current, and transferred charge, respectively, with a power density of 5.27 W/m², which highlights ~60% improvement in output voltage over pristine PVDF-TENG. This observation was attributed to the unique charge regulation ability of PG, without altering PVDF’s β phase. Furthermore, application potential of PG1-TENG was demonstrated by powering up an LCD calculator and 480 LEDs. Full article

This study presents a one-step electrospinning method to fabricate polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers embedded with green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for efficient catalytic dye reduction and real-time monitoring. Utilizing avocado seed extract for AgNP synthesis, the resulting composite nanofibers exhibit uniform nanoparticle dispersion and enhanced surface area, significantly improving adsorption and catalytic properties. The membranes demonstrated outstanding catalytic activity, achieving over 95% degradation of methyl orange within 45 min when paired with sodium borohydride, and maintained structural integrity and performance over ten reuse cycles. The integration of a novel 3D-printed support enabled scalability, allowing a 60-fold increase in treatment volume without compromising efficiency. Additionally, the composite’s electrical conductivity changes enabled the real-time monitoring of the dye reduction process, highlighting its dual functionality as both catalyst and sensor. These results encourage the potential of PAN/AgNPs supported on a 3D-printed structure nanofiber membranes for scalable, sustainable wastewater treatment and in situ reaction monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: The utility of various biocompatible biological and synthetic polymers as substrates to provide structural support, facilitate cell migration, and promote the healing of full-thickness wounds by secondary intention has been studied. This includes intelligent structures that enable the release of natural products or drugs for these and other purposes. In this study, the primary objective was to analyze and compare, from a macroscopic perspective, the individual behavior of the polymer poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), with Aloe vera (PHBV/Av) or honey (PHBV/Ho), in the healing process of a full-thickness skin wound over 40 days in a murine model, in addition to describing the microscopic ultrastructure of the nanofibers. Methods: Two experimental groups were established, PHVB/AV (n = 5) and PHVB/Ho (n = 5), along with one control group, PHBV (n = 5), all of which underwent biopsies that included the entire thickness of the skin and the panniculus carnosus of the mid-dorsal area of the mouse. Cylindrical pieces of each membrane, measuring approximately 7 × 0.2 mm, were placed in the wound bed and covered with a transparent dressing. No topical treatment was administered during the control process, nor were the implants changed during the healing period. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The data show that the PHBV/Ho scaffolds reduce the diameter of the wounds by 100% after 40 days (p < 0.001), compared with PHBV/Av (100%; p = 0.211) and the control group, PHBV. Conclusions: From a macroscopic perspective, the PHBV/Ho scaffold significantly accelerated wound healing when applied once to the wound bed, outperforming both the PHBV/Av composite and PHBV alone. Notably, this effect was achieved without the need for dressing changes or additional treatment during the healing period. Full article

Wound healing is a complex biological process that benefits from advanced biomaterials capable of modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. In this study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) were green-synthesized using Hemerocallis citrina extract, which served as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The CeO₂NPs exhibited a spherical morphology, a face-centered cubic crystalline structure, and an average size of 9.39 nm, as confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and TEM analyses. These nanoparticles demonstrated no cytotoxicity and promoted fibroblast migration, while significantly suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, NO, and ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Gene expression analysis indicated M2 macrophage polarization, with upregulation of Arg-1, IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-β. Aligned polycaprolactone/polylactic acid (PCL/PLA) nanofibers embedded with CeO₂NPs were fabricated using electrospinning. The composite nanofibers exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, including porosity, mechanical strength, swelling behavior, and sustained cerium ions release. In a rat full-thickness wound model, the CeO₂ nanofiber-treated group showed a 22% enhancement in wound closure compared to the control on day 11. Histological evaluation revealed reduced inflammation, enhanced granulation tissue, neovascularization, and increased collagen deposition. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of CeO₂-incorporated nanofiber scaffolds for accelerated wound repair and inflammation modulation. Full article