Synthesis of Graphene Oxide/ Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Composite and Investigation of Graphene Oxide Effect on Diameter and Pore Size of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Nanofibers

Abstract

The ultrafine fibers of Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) /Graphene Oxide (GO) composite were prepared by using a homemade electrospinning set-up at 12.5 kV and 12 cm with different concentrations of GO (1g/L, 0.75g/L, and 0.5g/L) in PVA. The effect of GO concentrations in 10% PVA solution on the diameter of fibers was investigated. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was used to analyze the functional groups. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectra of GO suspension showed the absorption peak at 232 nm. The morphology of the nanofibers was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to analyze the crystalline nature of this material. The diameter of nanofibers decreased with improved crystallinity, thus, increasing the concentration of GO in PVA.