In situ synthesis of ZnO nanocrystal/PET hybrid nanofibers via electrospinning

Hybrid nanofibers of ZnO precursors/PET were fabricated by electrospinning a nonaqueous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) solution containing zinc acetate dihydrate. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the as prepared nanofibers had smooth and uniform surfaces, and the diameter was decreased with increasing zinc acetate dihydrate content and reducing PET concentration. After the treatment by a mild process of immersing the fibers in ammonia‐ethanol mixtures (pH ≈ 9–11), the surface of the nanofibers became rough during the formation of ZnO nanocrystals in the fibers. High resolution transmission electron microscopy images showed that the mean particle size became smaller with increasing diameter of the polymer fibers and decreasing content of ZnO. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the ZnO formation in the hybrid nanofibers. X‐ray diffractometry patterns indicated that ZnO had the Wurtzite structure. The formation and growth of ZnO nanocrystals in the nanofiber matrices was also influenced by the various other parameters, that is, the pH value of the reaction solution, the content of zinc acetate dihydrate within the fibers, the reaction time and temperature. Photoluminescence spectra under excitation at 300 nm revealed a broad and intense ultraviolet emission. The UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectra demonstrated the blue shift in the absorbance curve, which was ascribed to the quantum confinement effects of ZnO nanoparticles in the hybrid materials. These hybrid nanofibers can potentially be used in light emitters, chemical sensors, photo‐catalysts and solar cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1360–1368, 2011