Needleless Electrospun Magnetic Carbon Nanofiber Mats for Sensor Applications

Magnetic nanofibers can be fabricated by adding nanoparticles in polymer solution using the electrospinning method. The advantages of such nanofibers include a large surface-to-volume ratio and high porosity, which makes them promising for sensing applications. In addition, carbonization of such nanofibers increases electrical conductivity. In this study, the chemical and morphological properties of magnetic nanofiber mats prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/magnetite and carbonized at 500, 600, 800 and 1000 ℃. Resulting surface morphologies with some agglomerations are discussed. Addition of nanoparticles increased average fiber diameter and improved dimensional stability.