Facile transformation of soot nanoparticles into nanoporous fibers via single-step electrospinning

A facile technique to transform candle soots into nanoporous fibers via electrospinning of mixed solution of candle soots and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has been demonstrated for the first time. Due to insolubility of soot nanoparticles and good solubility of PVDF polymer in DMF/acetone solvents, the soot molecules are heterogeneously dispersed in the mixed solutions. The selection of an appropriate polymer concentration resulted in a good dispersion of the low-density soot nanoparticles which can be held for electrospinning. The electrospinning experiment shows that soot nanoparticles can be smoothly bonded with PVDF molecules to form nanoporous fibers. The unique superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties of the as-prepared electrospun fibrous membrane were demonstrated by subjecting it to various aqueous liquids and oils. This work provides a simple way to transform low-density nanoparticles into high-performance nanoporous nanofibers, which should broaden the applications of electrospinning.