Single-step electrospinning of multi walled carbon nanotubes - Poly(3-octylthiophene) hybrid nano-fibers

•Single-step electrospinning of poly(3-octyl thiophene) (P3OT) was demonstrated.•The processes is simplified as compared to host-guest or core-shell strategies.•Single-step spinning of well structured MWNT-P3OT fibers was demonstrated.

Single-step electrospinning of micro-fibers from native solutions of poly(3-octyl thiophene) (P3OT) presents a simplified processes as compared to previously reported host-guest or core-shell strategies for production of conjugated-polymers fibers. Furthermore, as P3OT is a good dispersing agent for Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT) the process is extended to spinning of MWNT-P3OT dispersions in a single step offering a unique opportunity for incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) into well-shaped functional fibers without the need for the usage of a non-active mediating agent. Rheological characterization of the dispersions and structural analysis of the resulting fibers indicate that well dispersed CNT improve the spinnability of the polymer and enhance the crystallinity of the resulting fibers.

Graphical abstractThe paper presents a simplified processes as compared to previously reported host-guest or core-shell strategies for production of conjugated-polymers fibers. The process is demonstrated by spinning of MWCNT-P3OT dispersions in a single step offering a unique opportunity for incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) into well-shaped functional fibers without the need for the usage of a non-active mediating agent.Download high-res image (139KB)Download full-size image