Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/cellulose
composite nanofibers have been prepared by electrospinning a MWNT/cellulose
acetate blend solution followed by deacetylation. These composite
nanofibers were then used as precursors for carbon nanofibers (CNFs).
The effect of nanotubes on the stabilization of the precursor and
microstructure of the resultant CNFs were investigated using thermogravimetric
analysis, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
It is demonstrated that the incorporated MWNTs reduce the activation
energy of the oxidative stabilization of cellulose nanofibers from
∼230
to ∼180 kJ mol–1. They also increase the
crystallite size, structural order, and electrical conductivity of
the activated CNFs (ACNFs). The surface area of the ACNFs increased
upon addition of nanotubes which protrude from the fiber leading to
a rougher surface. The ACNFs were used as the electrodes of a supercapacitor.
The electrochemical capacitance of the ACNF derived from pure cellulose
nanofibers is demonstrated to be 105 F g–1 at a
current density of 10 A g–1, which increases to
145 F g–1 upon the addition of 6% of MWNTs.
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