Nanofibers, nanotubes and nanofiber mats comprising crystaline metal oxides and methods of making the same
AssigneeCornell University
InventorsYong L. Joo, Jeanne E. Panels
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Abstract
Inorganic nanofibers comprise an inorganic matrix material surface functionalized with at least one metal oxide in crystalline form. Crystal growth on external surfaces may occur in substantial alignment with a longitudinal axis of the nanofibers, and the crystals are typically between about 10.0 nm and 30.0 nm in size. The nanofibers may be hollow (i.e., nanotubes) or they may be randomly dispersed together in the form of a nanofiber mat. Methods for making the nanofibers comprise spinning a dispersion comprising linear polymers and metal oxide precursors.
Claims16
An inorganic nanofiber comprising:
- (a) an inorganic matrix material having an external surface, the inorganic matrix material comprising silica;
- and
- (b) a plurality of metal oxide crystals, the metal oxide crystals positioned within the inorganic matrix material and/or on the external surface.
An inorganic nanofiber comprising:
- a silica-based matrix material comprising an external surface;
- and a plurality of metal oxide crystals positioned on the external surface of the inorganic matrix material, with at least about 25% of the metal oxide crystals positioned in substantial alignment with a longitudinal axis of the nanofiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.