Cellulose-Based Nanofibers Electrospun from Cuprammonium Solutions

Abstract The production of nanofibers based on cellulose has attracted considerable interest due to their remarkable biocompatibility and thermal and mechanical characteristics, rendering them increasingly popular for numerous biomass-based fibrous applications. The current research describes the electrospinning process of cellulose utilizing cuprammonium solutions. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is also introduced to improve electrospinning and end material characteristics. The impact of the cellulose source, cellulose concentration, PEO molecular weight, and PEO concentration on spinnability and fiber morphology was systematically investigated. The analysis of membrane morphology and other associated characteristics was conducted through scanning electron microscopy with X-ray diffractometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. A direct relationship exists between cellulose concentration and PEO molecular weight, resulting in an observed enhancement in fiber diameter. The nanofiber membranes demonstrate notable antibacterial characteristics for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) owing to copper nanoparticles due to cuprammonium solution. Hence, the nanofiber membranes exhibit promising potential for utilization in several domains, such as water treatment, food packaging, medical, and separation.