TEOS-Based Fiber Fabrication via Electrospinning: Influence of Process Parameters and NMC Doping on Functional Properties

The main aim of this study is to produce TEOS-based fibers using the electrospinning method with solutions without carrier polymers, unlike most TEOS-based fibers that are produced with polymer additives. This study provides fundamental insights into the production and characterization of TEOS-based fibers and offers a general overview of their potential applications. We investigate the production and overlaying of their morphological, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical properties. The effects of electrospinning parameters such as voltage, flow rate, and solution viscosity on fiber morphology were examined, revealing a strong dependence of fiber diameter and structural uniformity on these parameters. Furthermore, TEOS-based fibers containing nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide (NMC) were fabricated, and their electrochemical behavior was investigated. The analyses indicate that the addition of NMC enhances the electrochemical properties of the TEOS fibers; however, the system still requires further improvement to be effective in energy-storage applications. To investigate how the flow properties of the solution affect fiber generation during electrospinning, viscosity measurements were conducted on the TEOS-based solution. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was applied to assess the thermal behavior and stability of the fibers at elevated temperatures. The produced fibers were analyzed using various characterization techniques. As a result, thin fibers were successfully produced.