Electrospun carbon nanofibers as a functional composite platform: a review of highly tunable microstructures and morphologies for versatile applications

Carbon nanostructures have been of increasing interest since the early 1990s because of their excellent material properties and light weight. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) synthesized by electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatment are among the more promising nanostructured carbonaceous materials, because many experimental parameters can be modified for the precise manipulation of their morphologies and material properties. Technological advances and understanding of CNFs have expanded rapidly in the last 20 years. In this review, published research on CNFs, from precursors to material properties, is thoroughly reviewed, focusing on structures and properties from the perspective of applications. This review provides important insights that will be of benefit for the design of novel CNFs for widespread applications.