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A review: carbon nanofibers from electrospun polyacrylonitrile and their applications

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Abstract

Carbon nanofibers with diameters that fall into submicron and nanometer range have attracted growing attention in recent years due to their superior chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties in combination with their unique 1D nanostructures. Unlike catalytic synthesis, electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN) followed by stabilization and carbonization has become a straightforward and convenient route to make continuous carbon nanofibers. This paper is a comprehensive and state-of-the-art review of the latest advances made in development and application of electrospun PAN-based carbon nanofibers. Our goal is to demonstrate an objective and overall picture of current research work on both functional carbon nanofibers and high-strength carbon nanofibers from the viewpoint of a materials scientist. Strategies to make a variety of carbon nanofibrous materials for energy conversion and storage, catalysis, sensor, adsorption/separation, and biomedical applications as well as attempts to achieve high-strength carbon nanofibers are addressed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, 27401, USA

    Lifeng Zhang, Alex Aboagye & Ajit Kelkar

  2. Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, 57701, USA

    Chuilin Lai & Hao Fong

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  1. Lifeng Zhang
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  2. Alex Aboagye
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Correspondence to Lifeng Zhang or Hao Fong.

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Zhang, L., Aboagye, A., Kelkar, A. et al. A review: carbon nanofibers from electrospun polyacrylonitrile and their applications. J Mater Sci 49, 463–480 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-013-7705-y

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