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Preparation and application of flexible carbon nanofiber membranes via electrospinning: from stress dispersion to multifunctionality

Polymer Journal volume 57, pages 605–622 (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

The ongoing surge in portable and smart device technology drives the need for materials that are both flexible and conductive. Owing to their high surface area and stability, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are ideal for these applications. Electrospinning is a superior method for producing uniform CNFs with adjustable sizes, allowing for precise property control. The focus of this concise review is on enhancing the stress distribution and flexibility of electrospun CNFs, and the importance of optimizing pre-oxidation and carbonization to improve crystallinity and performance is emphasized. Physical stretching techniques and the addition of nanoparticles to create heterogeneous phases within the carbon matrix are discussed as the methods used to increase the mechanical properties of CNFs and develop porous structures. Additionally, the broad applications of flexible CNFs are outlined, and insights into current research and future prospects are provided, with an emphasis on the significance of CNFs in flexible material development.

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Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC No. 52170019 and 52103070), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 06500100), and the “Ten thousand plan”-National High-level personnel of special support program.

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  1. School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 100083, Beijing, China

    Jianghao Wang, Shuyan Yu & Congju Li

  2. College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China

    Congju Li

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Wang, J., Yu, S. & Li, C. Preparation and application of flexible carbon nanofiber membranes via electrospinning: from stress dispersion to multifunctionality. Polym J 57, 605–622 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-025-01024-w

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