Smart non-woven fiber mats with light-induced sensing capability

Abstract

This article is focused on the facile procedure for 2D graphene oxide (GO) fabrication, utilizing reversible de-activation polymerization approach and therefore enhanced compatibility with surrounding polymer matrix. Such tunable improvement led to a controllable sensing response after irradiation with light. The neat GO as well as surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) grafted particles were investigated by atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. To confirm the successful surface reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy was utilized. The composites in form of non-woven fiber mats containing ungrafted GO and controllably grafted GO with compact layer of polymer dispersed in poly(vinylidene-co-hexafluoropropylene) were prepared by electrospinning technique and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical performance was characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis. Thermal conductivity was employed to confirm that the conducting filler was well-dispersed in the polymer matrix. The presented controllable coating with polymer layer and its impact on the overall performance, especially photo-actuation and subsequent contraction of the material aiming on the sensing applications, was discussed.