Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun PVDF-PES-ZnO Nanofiber Composites for Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Photocatalytic Applications

Abstract

This study reports the fabrication and characterization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone (PES)-based nanofiber hybrid composites incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for enhanced mechanical strength and photocatalytic efficiency. The composites were developed using electrospinning, a reliable technique for producing nanofibers with high surface area and controlled morphology. PVDF and PES were selected as base polymers for their flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance, while ZnO nanoparticles were introduced to impart photocatalytic functionality for environmental remediation. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of crystalline ZnO with a wurtzite structure and an estimated crystallite size of approximately 500 nm. The semi-crystalline nature of PVDF and amorphous structure of PES were also evident. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the presence of functional groups corresponding to PVDF, PES, and ZnO, indicating successful composite formation. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform, bead-free nanofibers with well-dispersed ZnO nanoparticles on the fiber surfaces. The PVDF:PES ratio significantly influenced fiber morphology, with PVDF-rich composites showing improved uniformity and mechanical stability. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed elemental purity across all samples. Mechanical testing showed that a PVDF:PES ratio of 3:1 resulted in the highest elastic modulus (753.13 MPa), while composites with balanced polymer ratios also exhibited superior mechanical performance. Photocatalytic tests using methyl orange dye degradation demonstrated efficient pollutant removal under light irradiation, confirming the composites' potential for environmental applications, particularly in water treatment.

Cite as:

Apurva Dixit, & Vikash Dwivedi. (2025). Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun PVDF-PES-ZnO Nanofiber Composites for Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Photocatalytic Applications. Recent Innovations in Material Engineering, 1(2), 26–44. 

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16273312