Preparation and application of flexible carbon nanofiber membranes via electrospinning: from stress dispersion to multifunctionality

The ongoing surge in portable and smart device technology drives the need for materials that are both flexible and conductive. Owing to their high surface area and stability, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are ideal for these applications. Electrospinning is a superior method for producing uniform CNFs with adjustable sizes, allowing for precise property control. The focus of this concise review is on enhancing the stress distribution and flexibility of electrospun CNFs, and the importance of optimizing pre-oxidation and carbonization to improve crystallinity and performance is emphasized. Physical stretching techniques and the addition of nanoparticles to create heterogeneous phases within the carbon matrix are discussed as the methods used to increase the mechanical properties of CNFs and develop porous structures. Additionally, the broad applications of flexible CNFs are outlined, and insights into current research and future prospects are provided, with an emphasis on the significance of CNFs in flexible material development.