Investigation of fundamental parameters affecting electrospun PVA/CuS composite nanofibres

Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to study the preparation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/CuS composite nanofibres, and the effects of solution and process parameters on the resulting nanofibres. Design/methodology/approach ‐ A facile method coupling self-assembly and electrospinning technology was used to prepare PVA/CuS nanofibres from PVA/CuCl2?·?2H2O solution. Findings ‐ CuS nanoparticles were well dispersed in the composite nanofibres, the dimension of which was in the range of 4-9?nm. Low amount of salt in electrospinning solutions and high-applied voltage were beneficial for forming smooth and small sized nanofibres. The tip-to-collector distance has not affected the morphology of resulting nanofibres. Research limitations/implications ‐ The orientation of the composite nanofibres was hardly controlled and the diameter distribution of nanofibres was not uniform enough. Practical implications ‐ The method combining electrospinning and self-assembly provided an effective strategy for preparing nanoparticles doped composite nanofibres. Originality/value ‐ The morphology of composite nanofibres was well controlled via adjusting the solution and process parameters, therefore, the fibres obtained will have potential applications as controllable nano-optoelectronic materials.