Optimization of Polyacrylonitrile and Metal Salt Ratios in Electrospun Nanofibers

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ratios and metal salts in the solution on fiber formation during nanofiber production via the electrospinning method. In the experimental process, PAN solutions were dried in an oven and prepared at weight ratios of 5%, 7%, and 10%, then added to 10 grams of dimethylformamide (DMF). To achieve the targeted (Co0,2Cu0,2Mg0,2Ni0,2Zn0,2)O structure in the nanofibers, cobalt acetate, copper acetate, magnesium acetate, nickel acetate, and zinc acetate metal salts were added to the solution at specific ratios. The addition ratios of the metal salts to the solution ranged between 30% and 50%. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the nanofiber morphology revealed that different PAN and metal salt ratios directly affected fiber thickness and structural integrity. It was observed that lower PAN ratios increased nanofiber thinness. The thinnest fibers were obtained using 5% PAN and 35% high-entropy metal oxide, demonstrating that solutions with low viscosity produced finer and more homogeneous fibers during electrospinning. Metal salt ratios were also found to significantly influence the surface structure and porosity of the fibers. The chemical bonding structure of the synthesized nanofibers was examined using Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy. In conclusion, this study highlights the critical importance of optimizing solution components in nanofiber production via electrospinning to enhance fiber quality and properties. Adjusting PAN concentration and metal salt ratios precisely play a key role in achieving the desired fiber characteristics.