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 Si-29 MAS-NMR spectrum, and the crystallite parameters. This technology can be applied to prepare homogeneously dispersed nanosized metal-oxide particles on CNF composites. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.