Open Access2D Ti3C2Tx (MXene)-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties
Author(s) -
Patrik Sobolčiak,
Adnan Ali,
Mohammad K. Hassan,
Muath Helal,
Aisha Tanvir,
Anton Popelka,
Somaya Al-Maadeed,
Igor Krupa,
Khaled A. Mahmoud
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0183705
Subject(s) - materials science , polyvinyl alcohol , nanofiber , electrospinning , composite material , nanocomposite , nanosheet , dynamic mechanical analysis , polymer , nanotechnology
Novel 2D Ti 3 C 2 T x (MXene)-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers have been successfully fabricated by an electrospinning technique. The high aspect ratio, hydrophilic surfaces, and metallic conductivity of delaminated MXene nanosheet render it promising nanofiller for high performance nanocomposites. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were used to improve the mechanical properties of the nanofibers. The obtained electrospun nanofibers had diameter from 174 to 194 nm depending on ratio between PVA, CNC and MXene. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated an increase in the elastic modulus from 392 MPa for neat PVA fibers to 855 MPa for fibers containing CNC and MXene at 25°C. Moreover, PVA nanofibers containing 0.14 wt. % Ti 3 C 2 T x exhibited dc conductivity of 0.8 mS/cm conductivity which is superior compared to similar composites prepared using methods other than electrospinning. Improved mechanical and electrical characteristics of the Ti 3 C 2 T x /CNC/PVA composites make them viable materials for high performance energy applications.