Si(B)CN-doped carbon nanofibers with excellent oxidation resistance

SiBCN-doped and SiCN-doped carbon nanofibers with improved thermo-oxidative resistance were developed by thermal conversion of as-electrospun fibers from polyacrylonitrile and ceramic precursor blend solutions. Isothermal thermogravimetric analysis and muffle furnace calcining were used to evaluate the oxidation behavior. The samples after calcining were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed that the oxidation resistance of carbon nanofibers was improved by the doping of SiCN and SiBCN ceramics. Furthermore, SiCN ceramic offered only limited protection, while SiBCN ceramic gave better protection to carbon nanofibers under air at 500 °C.