Photo-induced processes for the fabrication of nanocomposite PEO/GO electrospun nanofibers with enhanced thermal conductivity

A simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly strategy for fabricating shape-stable, thermally conductive nanocomposite fibers based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and graphene oxide (GO) is reported. The method integrates electrospinning with UV-induced photocrosslinking and in situ photoreduction, simultaneously enhancing the insolubility of PEO fibers and restoring the thermal conductivity of GO. Cast film studies confirmed the partial reduction of GO upon UV irradiation in the presence of a photoinitiator, contributing to improved thermal transport. A Taguchi Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was employed to optimize the fabrication of electrospun mats. The resulting nanocomposite membranes exhibited excellent shape stability under heat and solvent exposure, preserved fiber morphology, and showed enhanced thermal diffusivity across a range of temperatures.