Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Expansion of Two-dimension Electrospun Nanofiber Mats into Three-dimension Scaffolds
Published on: January 7, 2019
Polyelectrolyte Composite Membranes Containing Electrospun Ion-Exchange Nanofibers: Effect of Nanofiber Surface
Fumiyasu Seino1, Yuichi Konosu1, Minoru Ashizawa1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Tokyo Institute of Technology , Mail Box S8-27, 2-12-1 Ookayama , Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552 , Japan.
Abstract:
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based ion-exchange nanofibers (IEX-NFs) and their composite polyelectrolyte membranes were prepared and characterized. The PVA-based NFs are well dispersed and form a three-dimensional network structure in the polymer matrix, Nafion. All of the prepared membranes show a similar ion-exchange capacity of ∼1.0 mmol g-1. The ionic conductivities through the PVA- b-PSS-NF/Nafion composite membranes are superior to that of the Nafion membranes, but the conductivity through the PVA-NF/Nafion composite membrane is half that of the Nafion membrane. Our electrokinetic measurements clearly indicate that a high density of ion-exchange groups on the NF surface results in a continuous ionic transport path in the polymer matrix. In addition, the mechanical strength of all of the NF-composite membranes is improved compared with that of the membranes without NF.
Related Concept Videos
Ions and Ionic Charges
Trends in Lattice Energy: Ion Size and Charge
Gas Exchange and Transport
Ion Exchange
Ionic Radii
Ionic Bonds
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...

