A Perspective on the Supersonic Solution Blowing: Nanofibers at the Forefront of Energy Storage and Conversion, and Environmental Remediation

Author(s)

Vinícius D. Silva ^[1] ; Eliton S. Medeiros ^[2] ; Roberto M. Torresi ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química. Departamento de Química Fundamental - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB). Laboratório de Materiais e Biossistemas (LAMAB). Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais (DEMAT) - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Química. Departamento de Química Fundamental - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society; v. 35, n. 11 2024-05-24.

Abstract

Nanofibers play a crucial role in energy storage and conversion, catalysis, and environmental remediation applications. These nanomaterials, characterized by their high surface-to-volume ratio and porous structure, exhibit exceptional properties that render them ideal for various energy applications such as in fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, catalysis, and hydrogen production. This discussion outlines the historical context of electrospinning (ES), acknowledging its limitations in terms of commercial viability. Introducing the supersonic solution blowing (SSB) technique as a promising alternative, its energy-efficient process holds potential for commercial feasibility. The ES has remarkable advantages in nanofiber fabrication but faces limitations due to high operating costs. Solution blow spinning (SBS) offers speed and versatility; however, fibers have a broad distribution of diameters. SSB therefore overcomes some of the limitations of both ES and SBS techniques to produce defect-free nanofibers with smaller diameters at higher throughput rates. In this concise perspective paper, we emphasize the primary contributions of nanofibers to the development and optimization of materials used in energy applications. Drawing parallels with the prevalent ES and SBS techniques in the literature, we conclude with a discussion on the potential benefits that may arise as researchers increasingly explore this emerging and more efficient technique. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/00675-4 - Tying up materials for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis
• Grantee: Roberto Manuel Torresi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/12609-9 - Hard carbon nanofibers as a self-supporting negative electrode for the next generation of sodium-ion batteries
• Grantee: Vinícius Dias Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral