Preparation of sub-micron carbon fibre web

Electrospinning is a method capable for production of submicron and nanosized fibres in industrial scale. In electrospinning, the electrostatic field stretches the polymer solution into fibres at the same time when the solvent is evaporating. The diameters of formed fibres are typically in sub-micron range and they can be collected as interconnected fibrous web onto surface of a substrate. Submicron fibres composing of suitable polymeric material can be converted into carbon fibres having submicron and even nanosized fibre diameters by stabilization and carbonization processes. The small fibre diameter, small pore size, and high surface area of the nanofibre web are properties that are advantageous for various applications including catalysis. In this presentation we will review preparation of carbon fibre sheet material composing of sub-micron sized fibres. Precursor fibres were prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and mixture of PAN and carbon nanotubes (CNT's). Carbon sheets were prepared using quasi continuous carbonization process. We will discuss process-property relationships of precursor production as well as stabilization and carbonization processes. Studied properties include e.g. dimensions of the structure, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. Work was carried out within Catapult project; novel CATAlyst structures employing Pt at Ultra Low and zero loadings for auTomotive MEAs; Supported by EU FCH-JU; Grant agreement no 325268