Synthesis of Core–Double Shell Nylon-ZnO/Polypyrrole Electrospun Nanofibers

Abstract

Core–double shell nylon-ZnO/polypyrrole electrospun nanofibers were fabricated by combining three straightforward methods (electrospinning, sol–gel synthesis and electrodeposition). The hybrid fibrous organic–inorganic nanocomposite was obtained starting from freestanding nylon 6/6 nanofibers obtained through electrospinning. Nylon meshes were functionalized with a very thin, continuous ZnO film by a sol–gel process and thermally treated in order to increase its crystallinity. Further, the ZnO coated networks were used as a working electrode for the electrochemical deposition of a very thin, homogenous polypyrrole layer. X-ray diffraction measurements were employed for characterizing the ZnO structures while spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR and Raman were employed for describing the polypyrrole layer. An elemental analysis was performed through X-ray microanalysis, confirming the expected double shell structure. A detailed micromorphological characterization through FESEM and TEM assays evidenced the deposition of both organic and inorganic layers. Highly transparent, flexible due to the presence of the polymer core and embedding a semiconducting heterojunction, such materials can be easily tailored and integrated in functional platforms with a wide range of applications.

Antimicrobial Clothing Based on Electrospun Fibers with ZnO Nanoparticles

“…Sol-gel processing and electrospinning were used with poly(vinyl acetate) and zinc acetate as precursors [ 82 ]. Another example is the case where Beregoi et al used three simple approaches (electrospinning, sol-gel synthesis, and electrodeposition) to create core-double shell nylon-ZnO/polypyrrole electrospun nanofibers [ 83 ].…”

Preparation and Applications of Electrospun Optically Transparent Fibrous Membrane

“…In order to improve the CNT−Cu interactions, cysteine was grafted to the surface of CNTs, and it exhibited not only excellent optoelectrical properties but was also optically transparent. Beregoi et al [ 112 ] fabricated core–double shell nylon-ZnO/polypyrrole electrospun nanofibers by functionalization after electrospinng as well. Nylon 6/6 nanofibers were obtained through electrospinning and then were functionalized with ZnO by a sol–gel process.…”

Layer‐by‐layer preparation of electromagnetic NH2‐SiO2/polypyrrole/Ni nanocomposites, characterization and their electrochemical properties

“…But in many industrial applications, PPy alone is not suitable because of poor processability, low solubility in common solvents, poor mechanical strength and poor dispersion stability 14,20 . To overcome these limitations, researchers are showing interest in designing new electroconducting stable composites comprising an organic or inorganic core and a PPy shell 10,21–29 . Also, in some investigations PPy particles have been used as core particles for modification with polymer or inorganic nanoparticles 6,14,30–33 …”

“…14,20 To overcome these limitations, researchers are showing interest in designing new electroconducting stable composites comprising an organic or inorganic core and a PPy shell. 10,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Also, in some investigations PPy particles have been used as core particles for modification with polymer or inorganic nanoparticles. 6,14,[30][31][32][33] In this regard, mesoporous SiO 2 can be a good platform to host PPy and the modified composites are believed to possess improved physicochemical properties and hence would have broad application potential in areas like heterogeneous catalysis, 34,35 biomedicine, 36,37 separation techniques, [38][39][40] sensor science, 41 conductive paints, 42 anticorrosion coatings [43][44][45] and conductive pigments.…”