Advanced Deformable Ceramics: The Origin, Evolution, and Prospectives of Electrospun Ceramic Nanofiber Materials

Abstract Ceramics are renowned for their exceptional high-temperature stability and resistance to corrosion and oxidation. However, their inherent brittleness and susceptibility to fracture significantly limit their practical use in harsh and mechanically demanding environments. Ceramic nanofibers (ceramic NFs) combine the intrinsic thermal and chemical robustness of ceramics with the structural advantages afforded by fibrous architectures. This combination unlocks substantial potential for a wide range of advanced applications. This review critically examines the origin and evolution of electrospun ceramic NF materials. Key aspects include the underlying principles and preparation methodologies, structural diversity and classification of ceramic NFs, mechanical characterization techniques, and the mechanisms governing strength enhancement at both individual fiber and network levels. Recent advances in leveraging these materials for energy regulation, material separation and conversion, and biomedical functions are critically analyzed. Furthermore, the challenges impeding the scalable manufacturing of electrospun ceramic NFs are discussed, along with proposed strategies to address these limitations. Finally, the review outlines future perspectives for enhancing performance and broadening the application scope of electrospun ceramic NFs.