Preparation and Structures of Ni/Natural Rubber Promoted Carbon Nanofiber Branches via One-Step Carbonization Process

Abstract

A novel nickel (Ni) and natural rubber loaded carbon nanofiber branches were prepared by electrospinning process followed by conventional heat treatment processes. This research utilized a one-step carbonization process using electrospun fibers from one-pot solution consisting of Ni, natural rubber cup lump (NR) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The as-spun nanofibers were successfully prepared for different types of NR-PAN and NiNR-PAN samples. The obtained nanofibers were stabilized at 260 °C for 2 h and then cooled to room temperature. The stabilized fibers were continued calcined at 900 °C for 1 h under N2 atmosphere. Samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). NR-PAN sample showed a uniform surface whereas tiny branches were found on NiNR-PAN sample. The carbon nanofiber branches with 48.29 nm diameter were observed on the parent carbon fiber surface with 700-800 nm diameter. Furthermore, only metallic Ni nanoparticles was formed and the average size of Ni nanoparticles calculated XRD result was 14.15 nm. SEM images showed that Ni nanoparticles were well dispersed on CNFs.