Catalytic graphitization of electrospun cellulose nanofibres using silica nanoparticles

Electrospun cellulose nanofibres have been graphitized in the presence of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. The structure of the resultant SiC/C hybrids was characterised using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Bamboo-like silicon carbide (SiC) nanostructures were observed emanating from the nanofibres treated at 1500 °C which were thought to grow through a vapour-liquid-solid process. The formation of SiC was also thought to lead to a higher degree of graphitization for the electrospun cellulose fibres. These porous and graphitized nanofibres might find applications in electrochemical energy storage.