Nanofibers and thin films as a selective membrane for sensors and microTAS

A composite material of PAN (polyacrylonitrile), starch granules and dimethylformamide as solvent was used as a selective membrane for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in gaseous phase. This composite was produced as a thin film obtained by spin-casting and as a fiber mat produced by electrospinning. The fiber mat was tested for adsorption of VOCs and water. Characterization used microscopy (electron scanning and optical) in order to evaluate the fiber morphology and the starch incorporation in the PAN matrix. Infrared spectroscopy was intended to determine the starch presence. Relative viscosity of the starch/PAN suspensions was measured in order to provide a model of composite fiber formation. Quartz crystal microbalance experiments determined VOCs and water adsorption. Fibers incorporated the starch granules, making the composite sensible to water; but VOCs were not detected. Therefore, the composite was found to be a good choice as selective barrier on sensors or microTAS protection purposes.