Parametric optimisation of PDMS/PMMA nanofibers prepared using emulsion electrospinning technique

With the massive potential for nanofiber applications within the expanding field of functional materials and green energy materials, electrospinning has become an increasingly interesting method of fabrication, generating many different methods to fabricate different nanofiber types. However, due to limitations, either chemical or instrumental, some polymeric nanofibers can only be synthesised using co-axial or emulsion electrospinning methods. To date fabrication of poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofibers via electrospinning have been limited to coaxial method. These nanofibers have found use in medical fields as well as environmental remediation efforts as membranes and filters and also in new age wearable electronics. In addition, there have been no systematic studies documented on the parametric optimisation of PDMS/PMMA nanofibers using electrospinning, particularly concerning applied voltage, flow rate, and collector distance. In this work, a PDMS/PMMA co-polymer nanofiber, synthesised through an optimised emulsion electrospinning method, was fabricated and characterised. A systematic examination of electrospinning parameters was conducted and optimised parameters of 18.5 kV supplied voltage, 10 cm tip-collector distance and a flow rate of 0.2 mL/h resulted in the fabrication of nanofibers with an average diameter of ∼199 nm and super-hydrophobicity, with a contact angle of ∼162°, is reported on

Electrode materials for stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator in wearable electronics

Stretchable Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) for wearable electronics are in significant demand in the area of self-powered energy harvesting and storage devices. Designing a suitable electrode is one of the major challenges in developing a fully wearable TENG device and requires research aimed at exploring new materials and methods to develop stretchable electrodes. This review article is dedicated to presenting recent developments in exploring new materials for flexible TENGs with special emphasis on electrode components for wearable devices. In addition, materials that can potentially deliver properties such as transparency, self-healability and water-resistance are also reviewed. Inherently stretchable materials and a combination of soft and rigid materials including polymers and their composites, inorganic and ceramic materials, 2D materials and carbonaceous nanomaterials are also addressed. Additionally, various fabrication strategies and geometrical patterning techniques employed for designing highly stretchable electrodes for wearable TENG devices are also explored. The challenges reflected in the present approaches as well as feasible suggestions for future advancements are discussed