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Large-scale spinning of high-performance SiO2 porous nanofibers remains a pivotal challenge in facilitating their utilization for flexible thermal insulation purposes. Herein, massive spinning of SiO2 porous nanofibers was achieved through the solution blow spinning (SBS) process utilizing microemulsion polysiloxane solutions. Using MK siloxane polymer as the Si source, a solution characterized by high purity and excellent uniformity was obtained. Multicomponent spinnable microemulsion precursor was prepared by incorporating paraffin as the sacrificial phase, Span 80 and Tween 80 as surfactants, and polyvinylpyrrolidone as the spinning aid. Through optimization of the spinnable solution composition and SBS process parameters, high-speed spinning of paraffin/MK precursor nanofibers was accomplished with a rate of 20 mL·h–1. Subsequent high-temperature pyrolysis facilitated the conversion of organic paraffin/MK nanofibers into SiO2 nanofibers with controllable pores structure. Porous SiO2 nanofiber sponges fabricated using the microemulsion SBS technique exhibit distinctive lightweight and thermal insulation properties [0.037 W·(m·K)−1]. These properties promise to facilitate massive spinning of high-performance inorganic fiber sponges for applications in high-temperature thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly efficient production of porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) is indispensable for applications in adsorption, thermal insulation, catalysis, batteries, etc. Herein, rapid fabrication of PCNFs with flexible and efficient adsorption properties was achieved through polymer blend blow spinning at a rate of 10–30 mL·h–1. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was used as the organic precursor to prepare PCNFs, with varying mass fractions of poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres employed as pore-forming agents. Following high-temperature carbonization, the diameter of PCNFs was adjusted within a range of 0.2–1.2 μm, resulting in a high specific surface area of 34.63 m2 g–1 and a pore distribution of 3–20 nm. PCNFs demonstrated exceptional mechanical resilience, withstanding cyclic compression strains of up to 60% and achieving a peak compression stress of 12.2 kPa. Additionally, PCNFs exhibited a significant adsorption capacity for oils and benzene, coupled with superior thermal insulation performance and an ultralow thermal conductivity of 0.022 W·(m·K)−1. PCNFs can also be used as sensors and demonstrated unmatched sensitivity to minute pressure variations ranging from 0 to 1 N. The polymer blend blow spinning technique showcased operational simplicity and remarkable versatility across various materials. This excellent functional expandability demonstrated that the strategy held significant potential for the large-scale production of multifunctional PCNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their outstanding properties, commercial massive production of polymer-derived ceramic nanofibers with high performances still faces challenging issues related to material synthesis and spinning processes. Herein, solution blow spinning technology was employed to improve the spinning ratio of nanofibers. Spinnable solutions were prepared with different precursors, polysiloxane, and polycarbosilane. Notably, these organic precursor solutions can be blow-spun into nanofibers with elevated rates, ranging from 10 to 50 mL·h–1. After being pyrolyzed, the organic precursor nanofibers can be pyrolyzed to form SiOC or SiC nanofibers. Simultaneously, employing a needle-punching technique for structural rearrangement allowed organic precursor sponges to be converted into blankets with customized thicknesses and shapes. The above strategy enabled the production of SiOC and SiC nanofiber products characterized by exceptional thermal insulation [0.028/0.026 (W·(m·K)−1)], high-temperature resistance (1300 °C), and compression resistance properties (ε = 60%). It can be widely used in aerospace, energy, and electronic technology and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core layer of disposable diapers typically contains a blend of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and pulp, resulting in slow liquid absorption, layer separation, reverse osmosis, and potential skin issues owing to the addition of antibacterial agents to the surface layer. Therefore, a core layer with rapid liquid absorption, uniform retention, and antibacterial properties must be developed to improve wearer comfort. In this study, a three-dimensional network porous structure for the core layer of a disposable diaper was prepared by solution blow spinning (SBS). This structure comprised a superabsorbent fiber (SAF) and hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) micro/nanofibers with a dual gradient in wetting/pore size. Progressively increasing the SAF content in each layer to incrementally increase wettability and controlling fiber diameter, a gradient pore structure with sizes of approximately 30 μm-16 μm-7 μm was formed. This design exhibited rapid infiltration capability, reducing the third liquid infiltration time by 13 s compared to those of commercial core layers while reducing reverse osmosis by 1.4 g, and the liquid absorption and retention rates are 47.7 times and 46.1 times, respectively, which is 1.6 times higher than those of commercial diapers. In addition, incorporating a natural antibacterial agent, ε-poly-l-lysine hydrochloride (ε-PLH), into the core layer resulted in an antibacterial rate exceeding 99.99% without direct contact with the skin; water transport capacity tests confirmed faster liquid infiltration speed, uniform absorption, and no fault formation.

Currently, air pollution primarily arises from industrial emissions, coal combustion, and automobile exhaust, posing significant challenges for mitigation. This highlights the urgent need for advanced and efficient filtration materials with low pressure drop and high-temperature resistance. Traditionally, improving filtration property has involved increasing the thickness of the filtration materials, which consequently leads to higher costs. Here, dual-scale mullite nanofiber (MNF) films containing interwoven thick nanofibers (606 nm) and thin nanofibers (186 nm) are prepared using solution blow spinning. The dual-scale structure design enables the films to maintain a low pressure drop while achieving high filtration efficiency. At an airflow velocity of 5.3 cm s -1 , the films with an areal density of 3.8 mg cm -2 , achieve a filtration efficiency of 98.23% and a pressure drop of 141 Pa for PM 0.3 . In addition, the MNF films exhibit excellent flexibility and high-temperature resistance, making them have great potential for use in high-temperature flue gas filtration.

In this study, fibrous polyurethane (PU) materials with average fiber diameter of 200, 500, and 1000 nm were produced using a solution blow spinning (SBS) process. The effects of the rotation speed of the collector (in the range of 200-25 000 rpm) on the fiber alignment and diameter were investigated. The results showed that fiber alignment was influenced by the rotation speed of the collector, and such alignment was possible when the fiber diameter was within a specific range. Homogeneously oriented fibers were obtained only for a fiber diameter ≥500 nm. Moreover, the changes in fiber orientation and fiber diameter (resulting from changes in the rotation speed of the collector) were more noticeable for materials with an average fiber diameter of 1000 nm in comparison to 500 nm, which suggests that the larger the fiber diameter, the better the controlled architectures that can be obtained. The porosity of the produced scaffolds was about 65-70%, except for materials with a fiber diameter of 1000 nm and aligned fibers, which had a higher porosity (76%). Thus, the scaffold pore size increased with increasing fiber diameter but decreased with increasing fiber alignment. The mechanical properties of fibrous materials strongly depend on the direction of stretching, whereby the fiber orientation influences the mechanical strength only for materials with a fiber diameter of 1000 nm. Furthermore, the fiber diameter and alignment affected the pericyte growth. Significant differences in cell growth were observed after 7 days of cell culture between materials with a fiber diameter of 1000 nm (cell coverage 96-99%) and those with a fiber diameter of 500 nm (cell coverage 70-90%). By appropriately setting the SBS process parameters, scaffolds can be easily adapted to the cell requirements, which is of great importance in producing complex 3D structures for guided tissue regeneration.

Massive production of SiO 2 nanofibers with both high durability and exceptional performance remains a significant challenge. Herein, a novel approach was introduced to achieve the massive production of SiO 2 nanofibers with lotus-leaf-inspired surfaces by combining solution blowing spinning (SBS) and the polymer-derived ceramics method. Based on the SBS technique, three types of precursor nanofiber products were fast spined with methyl silsesquioxane polymer and polymethyl hydrogen siloxane employed as Si sources. The flow rate of the SBS spined Si-based ceramic nanofibers was enhanced to 20 mL·h -1 . Furthermore, through the integration of hydrophobic-oleophilic SiO 2 nanoparticles into the precursor solution, SiO 2 nanofibers with lotus-leaf nanoprotrusion surfaces were fabricated. Nanoparticle-decorated SiO 2 fibers demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity (138.3°), compression resilience (∼60%), proficiency in organic pollutant adsorption, high-temperature resistance (∼1100 °C), and outstanding thermal insulation properties (thermal conductivity of 0.0165 W·(m·K) -1 ).

Nanofibers based on high-performance polymers are much highlighted in recent studies toward advanced lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we demonstrate one scalable poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-assisted solution blow spinning strategy for the preparation of heterocyclic aramid (HA) nanofibers of poly( p -phenylene-benzimidazole-terephthalamide). The incorporation of PEO is essential to improve the spinnability of the HA solution achieved directly through the low-temperature-solution copolymerization process. Additionally, the flexible PEO with a strong H-bonding affinity is also utilized as the molecular zipper to adjust the pore size of the nanofiber membrane during the post-treatment process. The obtained membrane combines the good wettability of PEO to the liquid electrolytes, with outstanding mechanical strength, modulus, toughness, and environmental resistance of HA. The nonwoven separator membranes with a porosity of 83.6% exhibited excellent comprehensive performance, which could be seen not only on the high tensile strength (68.2 MPa), modulus (3.0 GPa), and toughness but also on the high thermal stability ( T d > 405 °C) and flame retardancy, as well as the high electrolyte uptake (302.4%). The ion conductivity of the porous separators reached 0.83 mS/cm, with the bulk resistance dropping to 1/4 of the reference polypropylene separator. In the assembly of the Li/LiFePO 4 half battery, the HA separators displayed improved discharge specific capacity and high retention in both rate capability and cycling tests, providing the potential industrial preparation for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

Functional materials that can quickly absorb and degrade mustard gas are essential for chemical warfare emergency response kits. In this study, a fiber membrane with excellent adsorption and catalytic degradation activity was developed by solution blow spinning polystyrene (PS)/polyurethane (PU) and hydrothermal in situ growth of a zirconium-based MOF (MOF-808). The mechanical properties of the PS/PU fibers were improved by adding a trimethylolpropane tris (2-methyl-1-aziridine propionate) (TTMA) cross-linking agent. Moreover, the C═O bonds in TTMA provided abundant growth sites for MOF-808 in the hydrothermal process, thereby greatly increasing the loading capacity. The fiber surface was completely covered with the MOF-808 particles within 24 h. The PS/PU/TTMA/MOF-808 fiber membrane was used for the catalytic degradation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). The degradation efficiency reached 97.7% after 72 h, indicating its great application potential in emergency wiping cloths for mustard gas adsorption and degradation.

In various countries worldwide, the issue of wastewater contamination poses a significant threat due to its intricate composition of heavy metals, organic dyes, and microorganisms, thereby complicating the purification process. Consequently, researchers have expressed considerable interest in materials capable of eliminating organic, heavy metal, and microbial pollutants. This study focuses on the fabrication of a water purification membrane (PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF) with a hierarchical structure and the ability to remove multiple pollutants. The membrane was created by modifying poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber with zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) and reinforcing it with polydopamine (PDA). The experimental results demonstrate that the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF membrane exhibits a range of functionalities, including long-lasting superhydrophilicity, Cu(II) adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, and antibacterial ability. The manipulation of the DA synthesis procedure allows for the adjustment of the wettability, adsorption, and photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite. According to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum Cu(II) adsorption capacity of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF membrane is determined to be 65.75 mg/g, which is significantly higher (27.26 mg/g) than that of the ZnO-NWs/PVDF membrane (38.49 mg/g). The PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite exhibited a notable degradation capacity toward rhodamine B under natural sunlight, reaching a maximum of 5.97 mg/g. Additionally, the degradation rate achieved during daylight hours was as high as 90.42%. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy of the PDA/ZnO-NWs/PVDF composite against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria approached 100%. This work presents a promising approach for the treatment of wastewater containing various coexisting contaminants.

In the post-epidemic era, bio-based protective fiber materials with active protective functions are of utmost importance, not only to combat the spread of pathogens but also to reduce the environmental impact of petroleum-based protective materials. Here, efficient antibacterial polylactic acid-based (PLA-based) fibers are prepared by solution blow spinning and their pore structures are regulated by controlling the ratio of the solvent components in the spinning solutions. The porous PLA-based fibers exhibit antibacterial efficiencies of over 99% against Escherichia coli and over 98% against Bacillus subtilis , which are significantly higher than that of the nonporous PLA-based fibers. The excellent antibacterial property of the porous PLA-based fibers can be attributed to their high porosity, which allows antibacterial nanoparticles to be released more easily from the fibers, thus effectively killing pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, pore structure regulation can also enhance the mechanical property of the PLA-based fiber materials. Our approach of regulating the microstructure and properties of the PLA-based fibers through pore engineering can be extended to other polymer fiber materials and is suitable for polymer-based composite systems that require optimal performance through sufficient exposure of doped materials.

Functional polymeric micro-/nanofibers have emerged as promising materials for the construction of structures potentially useful in biomedical fields. Among all kinds of technologies to produce polymer fibers, spinning methods have gained considerable attention. Herein, we provide a recent review on advances in the design of micro- and nanofibrous platforms via spinning techniques for biomedical applications. Specifically, we emphasize electrospinning, solution blow spinning, centrifugal spinning, and microfluidic spinning approaches. We first introduce the fundamentals of these spinning methods and then highlight the potential biomedical applications of such micro- and nanostructured fibers for drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and sensing/biosensing. Finally, we outline the current challenges and future perspectives of spinning techniques for the practical applications of polymer fibers in the biomedical field.

Advanced filter materials with high efficiency, low-pressure drop, and high-temperature resistance are urgently needed in the field of high-temperature gas filtration. Here, an Al 2 O 3 -stabilized ZrO 2 (ASZ) submicron fiber air filter paper with excellent flexibility and thermal stability (up to 1100 °C) is developed using a cost-effective, scalable solution blow spinning method and subsequent calcination. The ASZ papers demonstrate excellent flexibility and foldability, which can be attributed to the tetragonal phase and small crystallite size of the ASZ fibers due to the presence of Al 2 O 3 . In addition, the ASZ papers with an areal density of 56 mg cm -2 show a high filtration efficiency (99.56%) and a low-pressure drop (108 Pa) for 15-615 nm NaCl particles at an airflow velocity of 5.4 cm s -1 . We envision that the foldable all-ceramic air filter material will provide a solution for the removal of particulate matter from the high-temperature exhaust gases.

Highly conductive elastic composites were constructed using multistep solution-based fabrication methods that included the deposition of a nonwoven polymer fiber mat through solution blow spinning and nanoparticle nucleation. High nanoparticle loading was achieved by introducing silver nanoparticles into the fiber spinning solution. The presence of the silver nanoparticles facilitates improved uptake of silver nanoparticle precursor in subsequent processing steps. The precursor is used to generate a second nanoparticle population, leading to high loading and conductivity. Establishing high nanoparticle loading in a microfibrous block copolymer network generated deformable composites that can sustain electrical conductivities reaching 9000 S/cm under 100% tensile strain. These conductive elastic fabrics can retain at least 70% of their initial electrical conductivity after being stretched to 100% strain and released for 500 cycles. This composite material system has the potential to be implemented in wearable electronics and robotic systems.

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a technique that can be used to deposit fibers in situ at low cost for a variety of applications, which include biomedical materials and flexible electronics. This review is intended to provide an overview of the basic principles and applications of SBS. We first describe a method for creating a spinnable polymer solution and stable polymer solution jet by manipulating parameters such as polymer concentration and gas pressure. This method is based on fundamental insights, theoretical models, and empirical studies. We then discuss the unique bundled morphology and mechanical properties of fiber mats produced by SBS, and how they compare with electrospun fiber mats. Applications of SBS in biomedical engineering are highlighted, showing enhanced cell infiltration and proliferation versus electrospun fiber scaffolds and in situ deposition of biodegradable polymers. We also discuss the impact of SBS in applications involving textiles and electronics, including ceramic fibers and conductive composite materials. Strategies for future research are presented that take advantage of direct and rapid polymer deposition via cost-effective methods.

There is increasing focus on the development of bioactive scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that mimic the native nanofibrillar extracellular matrix. Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a rapid, simple technique that produces nanofibers with open fiber networks for enhanced cell infiltration. In this work, highly porous bioactive fibers were produced by combining SBS with thermally induced phase separation. Fibers composed of poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) and dimethyl carbonate were sprayed directly into a cryogenic environment and subsequently lyophilized, rendering them highly porous. The surface areas of the porous fibers were an order of magnitude higher in comparison with smooth control fibers of the same diameter (43.5 m 2 ·g -1 for porous fibers produced from 15% w/v PLA in dimethyl carbonate) and exhibited elongated surface pores. Macroporous scaffolds were produced by spraying water droplets simultaneously with fiber formation, creating a network of fibers and ice microspheres, which act as in situ macroporosifiers. Subsequent lyophilization resulted in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds formed of porous nanofibers with interconnected macropores due to the presence of the ice spheres. Nanobioactive glass was incorporated for the production of 3D macroporous, bioactive, therapeutic-ion-releasing scaffolds with potential applications in non-load-bearing bone tissue engineering. The bioactive characteristics of the fibers were assessed in vitro through immersion in simulated body fluid. The release of soluble silica ions was faster for the porous fibers within the first 24 h, with confirmation of hydroxyapatite on the fiber surface within 84 h.

Infection and thrombosis associated with medical implants cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. As we know, current technologies to prevent infection and thrombosis may cause severe side effects. To overcome these complications without using antimicrobial and anticoagulant drugs, we attempt to prepare a liquid-infused poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) microfiber coating, which can be directly coated onto medical devices. Notably, the SIBS microfiber was fabricated through solution blow spinning. Compared to electrospinning, the solution blow spinning method is faster and less expensive, and it is easy to spray fibers onto different targets. The lubricating liquids then wick into and strongly adhere the microfiber coating. These slippery coatings can effectively suppress blood cell adhesion, reduce hemolysis, and inhibit blood coagulation in vitro. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) on the lubricant infused coatings slides readily, and no visible residue is left after tilting. We furthermore confirm that the lubricants have no effects on bacterial growth. The slippery coatings are also not cytotoxic to L929 cells. This liquid-infused SIBS microfiber coating could reduce the infection and thrombosis of medical devices, thus benefiting human health.

Block copolymer silver nanoparticle composite elastic conductors were fabricated through solution blow spinning and subsequent nanoparticle nucleation. The reported technique allows for conformal deposition onto nonplanar substrates. We additionally demonstrated the ability to tune the strain dependence of the electrical properties by adjusting nanoparticle precursor concentration or localized nanoparticle nucleation. The stretchable fiber mats were able to display electrical conductivity values as high as 2000 ± 200 S/cm with only a 12% increase in resistance after 400 cycles of 150% strain. Stretchable elastic conductors with similar and higher bulk conductivity have not achieved comparable stability of electrical properties. These unique electromechanical characteristics are primarily the result of structural changes during mechanical deformation. The versatility of this approach was demonstrated by constructing a stretchable light emitting diode circuit and a strain sensor on planar and nonplanar substrates.