Preparation and Microstructure of Electrospun BaTiO₃ Fibers

Abstract

Barium titanate (BaTiO3: BT) is widely used in various shapes depending on specific applications. Recently, 1-D ferroelectric ceramics are eagerly studied to innovate on new applications. Electrospinning is a versatile method to prepare 1-D nanomaterials. Here, we have prepared BaTiO3/poly (vinyl alcohol) (BT/PVA) composite fibers via the electrospinning method. Suspensions of BT/PVA aq. were prepared with weight ratio of BT:PVA:H2O = x:0.1:0.9-x (x = 0.2 and 0.3). Dried electrospun BT/PVA fibers were sintered at 900-1000°C for 2 h in air. Morphological change of the 1-D BT fibers before and after sintering was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Distribution of the fiber diameter before and after sintering was characterized; average diameters of the 1-D BT fibers before and after sintering were 720 nm and 640 nm, respectively.