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Crosslinked Sulfonated Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Graphene Oxide Electrospun Nanofibers as Polyelectrolytes
Oscar Gil-Castell1,2, Diana Galindo-Alfaro3, Soraya Sánchez-Ballester4
1Instituto de Tecnología de Materiales (ITM), Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain. ogilcastell@doctor.upv.es.
This study developed functionalized poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers with graphene oxide (GO) for enhanced proton conductivity. These composite materials show promise for applications in ionic polyelectrolyte membranes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) offers high functionalization capacity.
- Developing advanced materials for energy applications requires novel polymer composites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create bead-free, homogeneous PVA nanofibrous mats with enhanced properties.
- To investigate the effects of sulfonation, crosslinking, and graphene oxide (GO) addition on PVA nanofibers.
- To assess the potential of these nanofibers for ionic polyelectrolyte membranes.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solutions.
- Functionalization via sulfonation using sulfosuccinic acid (SSA).
- Incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles.
- Characterization of morphology, chemical structure, thermal properties, and conductivity.
Main Results:
- Crosslinking and sulfonation reduced nanofiber diameter.
- PVA nanofibers remained electrical insulators.
- Addition of GO enhanced humidity retention and proton conductivity.
- Combined sulfonation, crosslinking, and GO addition significantly improved proton conductivity.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized PVA/GO nanofibers exhibit enhanced proton conductivity.
- These materials are suitable for ionic polyelectrolyte membrane applications.
- Optimized composite nanofibers offer a pathway to advanced membrane technologies.
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