Aramid nanofiber framework supporting graphene nanoplate via wet-spinning for a high-performance filament. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Anping; Zhang, Xiang; Chen, Feng; Fu, Qiang
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 179(2021)
• Page Start: 655
• Page End: 665
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Aramid nanofiber -- Graphene nanoplate -- Stable suspension -- Mechanical property -- Electrical conductivity -- Thermostability; Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2021.04.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: Graphene-based filaments or yarns offering outstanding electrically-conductive and lightweight advantages are competitive candidates for flexible wires. The challenge is that low-oxidizing graphene tend to aggregate due to strong interaction among sheets, and it is difficult to assemble graphene into filaments. At present, even though diverse strategies are introduced to ameliorate graphene dispersibility and fabricability, their technological processes are often intricate and the corresponding fibers are severely flimsy. Herein, aramid nanofibers (ANFs) with excellent nanoscale dispersity and mechanical property are chosen as an auxiliary to support graphene nanoplates (GNPs) by non-covalent interactions and electrostatic repulsive-force in solvent. Moreover, a one-step process via simple wet-spinning is presented to fabricate GNPs/ANFs wires directly. The resultant GNPs/ANFs wire with a weight ratio of 80/20 demonstrates a high conductivity of 4236 S/m and tensile strength of 227.5 MPa with 10.2% elongation simultaneously. Even more, benefiting from the introduction of ANFs framework, the hybrid fibers not only have superior durability but also withstand burning and high temperature exceeding 400 °C. This work provides a strategy for the assembly of a novel flexible wire, which is facile for mass production and has a potential value for wearable devices. Graphical abstract: ANFs is adhered to GNPs surface by the non-covalent connection and π-π interaction. Deprotonated ANFs carrying the negative charge produce a strong repulsive-force for adjacent graphene sheets, thus resulting in the homogeneous dispersion of GNPs in the solvent. A continuous GNPs/ANFs composite filament with tough mechanical property, great electrical conductivity and excellent thermostability are fabricated by wet-spinning technique. Image 1 Highlights: Aramid nanofibers were implemented to ameliorate the dispersibility, processibility and performance of graphene nanoplates. High tensile strength, elongation and axial electrical conductivity were simultaneously achieved in the filament. The flame retardancy ensures security when breaking out of fire. The flexible wires for wearable devices have a long service life.