The formation of silica nanoparticles on the polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanofibers by graphene via electrospinning

Silica/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites have been successfully prepared by a graphene /polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution containing tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) using electrospinning, followed by stabilization and carbonization. The graphene directly accelerates the formation and growth of nanosized silica particles on the fiber surface. The silica/CNF composites are characterized by SEM, TGA, FTIR spectra, a 29Si MAS-NMR spectrum, and the crystallite parameters. This technology can be applied to prepare homogeneously dispersed nanosized metal-oxide particles on CNF composites.

► The effect on growing silica nanoparticles on CNF composites by graphene from electrospinning. ► The graphene used for crystal nucleation and growth of the nanostructured silica particles on CNF composites. ► This technology can be applied to prepare dispersed nanosized metal-oxide particles on electroconductive CNF composites.