High-performance electrospun carbon fiber derived from lignin and metal composite

As a new type of functional material, carbon fiber-derived materials have been regarded as promising electrocatalysts. Choosing a suitable carbon source and spinning process to prepare carbon fiber can maximize the electrocatalytic performance and resource recycling rate. Here, we use the waste lignin from the pulping industry to prepare lignin-based functional materials, electrospinning after blending with PEO. The obtained nanocomposite fiber exhibits the characteristics of anisotropic network structure and metal anchored by carbon fiber, improves conductivity, and provides a convenient channel for electron transmission. Furthermore, both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in this study show that the prepared LFC-Ni/Co has good catalytic activity. This strategy not only provide guidance for the preparation of functional carbon fibers, but also promote the lignin development of high-value utilization.

Automated summary

Carbon fiber-derived materials, as a new type of functional material, show promise in electrocatalysis. In this study, waste lignin from the pulping industry was used to prepare lignin-based functional materials through electrospinning. The resulting nanocomposite fiber exhibited anisotropic network structure and improved conductivity, providing a convenient channel for electron transmission. The prepared LFC-Ni/Co showed good catalytic activity for both ORR and OER, suggesting its potential application in electrocatalysis.