Synthesis of porous CaTiO3 nanotubes with tunable hollow structures via single-nozzle electrospinning

The synthesis of porous CaTiO3 (CTO) nanotubes with controlled microstructure was demonstrated via a single-nozzle electrospinning approach. Homogenous sols comprising polyvinylpyrolidine (PVP), Pluronic F127 and CTO (metal salt) were electrospun, which resulted in fine CTO nanotubes due to phase separation phenomenon. PVP/CTO molar ratio was confirmed to induce the effective manipulation of its structural characteristics. Altering the ratio from 0.24 m to 0.12 m was found to result in the increased fiber diameter, from similar to 105 nm to similar to 230 nm, and the enhanced hollow structure (diameter of similar to 70 nm). Further development of biocompatible inorganic CaTiO3 nanotubes with such tunable hollow structures provides a platform for sustained drug loading and delivery. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.