Electrospun composite nanofiber yarns containing oriented graphene nanoribbons

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) offer unique properties for advanced materials.
• Developing high-performance composite yarns requires precise control over nanofiller alignment and matrix properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare graphene nanoribbon (GNR)/carbon composite nanofiber yarns.
• To investigate the effect of oriented GNRs on the mechanical and electrical properties of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN)-based composite yarns.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) containing graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs).
• Successive twisting and carbonization of the electrospun yarns.
• Characterization of mechanical and electrical properties, including electrical conductivity measurements and Raman spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Highly oriented GONRs along the fiber axis were achieved during electrospinning.
• Addition of low weight fraction GONRs significantly improved mechanical properties.
• Carbonization enhanced both mechanical and electrical properties.
• Maximum electrical conductivity of 165 S cm(-1) was achieved with 0.5 wt% GONR, exceeding reported values for similar materials.

Conclusions:

• Oriented GONRs act as 1-D nanofillers and promote stabilization during carbonization.
• The developed composite yarns demonstrate superior electrical conductivity compared to pristine carbon nanofiber yarns and monolayer GNRs.
• This work presents a promising approach for fabricating high-performance GNR/carbon composite yarns.