Topotactic metal hydroxide decomposition to organize metal oxide nanoparticles inside electrospun fibers

For electrospinning of MgO nanoparticle-based fiber architectures, we exploit the intermediate formation of layered Mg(OH)2 nanosheets that form inside polyvinylalcohol (PVA) based fibers during nanoparticle-polymer formulation. Upon calcination, Mg(OH)2 nanosheets undergo a topotactic dehydration reaction. In conjunction with polymer removal, these sheets generate staggered MgO nanoparticle ensembles that comprise flat ribbons. With methanol as a solvent and in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers, the MgO nanoparticles retain their crys-tallinity and structure inside the electrospun fibers. After calcination, they form nanoparticle threads with a cylindrical profile and particle size gradient.

Automated summary

By mixing MgO nanoparticles with polyvinylalcohol (PVA), fiber structures with layered Mg(OH)2 nanosheets can be produced. Upon high-temperature calcination, the Mg(OH)2 nanosheets undergo dehydration, along with the removal of the polymer, resulting in staggered MgO nanoparticle ensembles in the fibers. Using methanol as a solvent in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers, the crys-tallinity and structure of MgO nanoparticles are preserved, forming nanoparticle threads with a cylindrical profile and particle size gradient after calcination.