Recent progress in electrospun Al2O3 nanofibers: Component design, structure regulation and performance optimization

Alumina nanofibers (Al2O3 NFs) have received extensive research due to their impressive performance in areas ranging from high temperature filter, wastewater purification to circuit substrate and catalyst support. Electrospinning is one of the most important strategies for preparing Al2O3 NFs because of its flexibility in component design and structure regulation, which present unique features in optical, thermal and electronic properties. In this review, recent progress in the synthesis, characterization and applications of electrospun Al2O3 NFs with various structures is comprehensively summarized. Firstly, the classification of raw materials involving inorganic aluminum salts, organic aluminum sources, mixed and other aluminum sources is introduced. Next, the structure regulation of electrospun Al2O3 NFs from hollow, porous, hierarchical to three-dimensional assembled structures is demonstrated. Furthermore, the performance optimization associated with applications of electrospun Al2O3 NFs in thermal insulation, environmental governance, catalysis and multifunctional fields is presented. Finally, a straightforward conclusion and future development directions for electrospun Al2O3 NFs are highlighted. This review is expected to provide meaningful guidelines for future development of electrospun Al2O3 NFs.