Electrospun Nanofiber Networks for Electronics and Optics

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Electrospun Nanofiber Networks for Electronics and Optics Akihiko Tanioka, Hidetoshi Matsumoto, and Kazuma Tsuboi Department of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-S8-27 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan ABSTRACT In this paper, we report on the preparation and applications of nanofiber networks, particularly in the area of optelectronics. The major topics are (i) carbon nanotubes grown on carbon nanofibers for a field emitter, (ii) dye-sensitized ZnO nanowires grown on carbon nanofibers for a photoelectrochemical cell, (iii) nanofiber coatings for coloring, and (iv) nanofiber coatings on gold substrate for surface plasmon resonance. The results presented here reveal the potential use of nanofiber networks for various optoelectronic devices. INTRODUCTION Electrospinning is a versatile method based on an electrohydrodynamic process for forming continuous thin fibers [1]. The advantages of electrospinning are (i) forming nanomicroscaled fibers (1D nanostructures) and (ii) the one-step forming of two or three dimensional nanofiber network structure (2D or 3D assemblies) [2]. Particularly, 2D or 3D nanofiber networks with high conductivity and large specific surface area will pave the way for flexible, wearable, or macro-electronics. The 2D electrospun carbon nanofiber network serves as a flexible electrode because it offers high thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and flexibility [3]. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown on the surface of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by chemical vapor deposition [4]. Zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) were also grown on the CNFs using a vapor transport and condensation approach [5]. The hierarchy-structured nanofibers, CNTs on CNFs and ZnO NWs on CNFs, can be used for the electrode of a field emitter and a photoelectrochemical cell, respectively. Nanofiber networks are suitable for not only electronics but also optics. By precision controlling diameter of electrospun fiber, it is possible to changing coloring of nanofiber-based coatings due to thin-film interference [6]. More recently, we found that light scattering of electrospun nanofiber-coated layer (random networks) on a gold substrate assisted the surface plasmon resonance without a prism [7]. This paper describes our recent research works on the preparation of nanofiber networks by electrospinning and applications of nanofiber networks. In particular, we have utilized electrospun carbon and polymer nanofiber networks for the electrode of electronic devices and the element of optical devices, respectively. EXPERIMENT All nanofiber networks and nanofiber coatings were prepared by electrospinning. Electrospinning device consists of a syringe-type infusion pump (MCIP-III, Minato Concept, Japan), a high voltage regulated DC power supply (HDV-20K 7.5 STD, Pulse Electronic

Engineering, Japan), and a grounded substrate (aluminum or gold plates). The polymer solutions were contained in a syringe with a stainless steel nozzle (0.5 mm internal diameter). The applied voltage was 15-20

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