Process of using metal-coated nanofibres

A method comprising using metal-coated polymer nano-fibers prepared by a process comprising the steps of:

• a) electro-spinning a polymer solution at ambient conditions to form polymer nano-fibers with functional groups comprising epoxy rings on a surface of the polymer nano-fibers and epoxy rings in a structure of the polymer nano-fibers that allow for binding by a reducing reagent;
• b) contacting the electrospun polymer nano-fibers obtained in step a) with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy rings on the surface of the polymer nano-fibers and allowing the reducing agent to bond to the surface of the polymer nano-fibers;
• c) reacting the reducing agent modified polymer nano-fibers obtained in step b) with a metal salt solution in alkaline media and obtaining an electro-spun mat of metal-coated polymer nano-fibers;
• and
• d) treating the electrospun mat obtained in step c) with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure to obtain cross-linking in the polymer nano-fibers and using the metal-coated polymer nano-fibers in applications selected from the group consisting of nanotubes, catalysts, conductors, solar cells, electrodes for sensors, electrochemical actuators, proton exchange membranes and electrodes, hydrogen storage membranes, high density packing structures, thin film transistors, reflectors, compact disks and decorative applications.