Nanofibers: A Comprehensive Review of Synthesis, Functionalization, and Emerging Applications

A nanofiber is a type of fiber with at least one of its dimensions in the nanometer range, typically having a diameter of less than 100 nanometers (nm). This nanofiber has unique properties such as high surface area to volume ratio, high aspect ratio, and high porosity. Due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, nanofibers often demonstrate enhanced strength, flexibility, and conductivity compared to their larger counterparts. The fabrication of nanofibers can be accomplished through various techniques, such as Electrospinning, Template synthesis, Self-assembly, Phase separation, and Drawing, each providing specific advantages tailored to the desired material properties and intended applications. Depending on their intended use, nanofibers are manufactured using a variety of polymers. Polymers encompass a range of materials, including natural polymers, semi-synthetic polymers, synthetic polymers, metals, metal oxides, ceramics, carbon-based materials, non-porous materials, mesoporous materials, hollow structures, core-shell structures, biocomponents, and multi-component materials. The primary function of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive knowledge of nanofiber characteristics, synthesis techniques, morphological, structural, thermal, mechanical, surface and chemical characterization of nanofiber, as well as their applications in biomedical, chemistry, defense, and environmental field.