Segmentierte metallische elektrogesponnene Fasern mit hoherr Flexibilität und elektrischer Leitfähigkeit
Zusammenfassung der Projektergebnisse
In conclusion, we successfully fabricated electrospun fibers with chemically distinct surfaces along their longitudinal axis at the micron-scale and selectively modified them in a regioselective manner. Different attempts to achieve surface segmentation have revealed that sideby-side electrospinning is a convenient and efficient method for producing bead-on-string (BOS) fibers with functional beads and inert core materials allowing the regio-selective modification of the beads. BOS with diverse functionalities and in large quantities were produced to use them for applications. It has been demonstrated that nonwovens of AuNP decorated bead-on-string (BOS) fibers exhibit exceptional efficiency in continuous flow catalysis, combining a low pressure with high turnover frequencies (up to ≈ 90 h^-1) and excellent reusability. We investigated the regio-selective metallization of bead-on-string (BOS) fibers using different metal nanoparticle-catalyzed electroless plating methods. Among the various methods explored, electroless plating of copper emerged as the most selective and efficient technique compared to electroless silver and gold plating. Initial attempts with AuNP-catalyzed electroless copper plating yielded fibers with fully metallized beads and only a few copper particles observed on the strings. Further optimization efforts are undertaken to enhance the selectivity and efficiency of the metallization process. Subsequent to optimization, we delved into exploring the applications of segmented metallized fibers. Furthermore, in order to streamline the process and circumvent the need for synthesizing new polymers and optimizing conditions for side-by-side electrospinning, we explored the possibility of using a polymer that facilitates post-functionalization of the beads. The aim was to tailor the surface properties of the beads for a variety of applications without the need for extensive polymer synthesis and processing. To achieve this, a bead material containing activated ester groups was employed, enabling multiple-step modifications on a micron scale. This approach offers flexibility and versatility in modifying the surface properties of the beads to suit different applications.
