Cable-Like Core-Shell Mesoporous SnO₂ Nanofibers by Single-Nozzle Electrospinning Phase Separation for Formaldehyde...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Core-shell nanofibers are crucial for advanced applications.
• Traditional synthesis methods often involve complex setups and multiple steps.
• Developing efficient and scalable nanofiber fabrication is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified method for producing cable-like core-shell mesoporous tin dioxide (SnO2) nanofibers.
• To investigate the potential of these nanofibers as sensing materials for formaldehyde detection.
• To evaluate the performance characteristics of the SnO2 nanofibers in gas sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a single-nozzle electrospinning strategy based on the phase separation of polystyrene and poly(vinylpyrrolidone).
• Fabricated cable-like core-shell mesoporous SnO2 nanofibers.
• Characterized the morphology and structure of the synthesized nanofibers.
• Tested the gas sensing performance of the nanofibers for formaldehyde detection.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized cable-like core-shell mesoporous SnO2 nanofibers using a simple single-nozzle electrospinning technique.
• Demonstrated the potential of the SnO2 nanofibers as a sensing material for formaldehyde at low concentrations (detection limit ~1 ppm).
• Exhibited good cycling stability and selectivity, with rapid response (18 s) and recovery (196 s) times at 195°C for 10 ppm formaldehyde.

Conclusions:

• The single-nozzle electrospinning method provides an efficient and straightforward route to mesoporous SnO2 nanofibers.
• The developed SnO2 nanofibers show significant promise for highly sensitive and selective formaldehyde detection.
• This approach offers a viable alternative to complex multi-axial electrospinning techniques for producing functional nanofibers.