Advances in electrospun nanofibrous membrane sensors for ion detection

Harmful metal ions and toxic anions produced in industrial processes cause serious damage to the environment and human health. Chemical sensors are used as an efficient and convenient detection method for harmful ions. Electrospun fiber membranes are widely used in the field of solid-state chemical sensors due to high specific surface area, high porosity, and strong adsorption. This paper reviews the solid-state chemical sensors based on electrospinning technology for the detection of harmful heavy metal ions and toxic anions in water over the past decade. These electrospun fiber sensors have different preparation methods, sensing mechanisms, and sensing properties. The preparation method can be completed by physical doping, chemical modification, copolymerization, surface adsorption and self-assembly combined with electrospinning, and the material can also be combined with organic fluorescent molecules, biological matrix materials and precious metal materials. Sensing performance aspects can also be manifested as changes in color and fluorescence. By comparing the literature, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of electrospinning technology in the field of ion sensing, and discuss the opportunities and challenges of electrospun fiber sensor research. We hope that this review can provide inspiration for the development of electrospun fiber sensors.