Electrospun Nanofibers Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan and its Stability in KOH Solution

Abstract

Fabrication of nanofibers based on polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan (PVA/chitosan) has been carried out by means of electrospinning with focusing on beads formation and diameter variation due to effects of weight ratio variations of PVA/chitosan. For electrospinning solution, the PVA/chitosan with artios of 10:1, 10:2 and 10:3 w/w were dissolved in 1% acetic acid. In addition, stability testing of PVA/chitosan nanofibers in an electrolyte solution was performed by soaking the nanofiber mat in KOH solution. As results, the addition of chitosan concentration increased the pH, conductivity, and viscosity of the solution. Beads were potentially generated for low chitosan concentration. Furthermore, the effect of viscosity and conductivity on diameter of electrospun nanofibers is very significant and need to be optimized. The average diameter of electrospun nanofibers were found to be 160 ± 18 nm, 120 ± 12 nm, and 148 ± 26 nm, for weight ratios of PVA and chitosan 10:1, 10:2 and 10:3, respectively. In addition, no significant change in morphology after being soaked the electrospun PVA/chitosan nanofibers in KOH 40 wt% solution for 24 hours. It indicates that the electrospun PVA/chitosan nanofibers is stable in electrolyte solution which shows a high potential for electrolyte membrane in fuel cells application.