A novel type of waterborne fluorescent nanofiber membranes with effectively suppressed ACQ phenomenon: Fabrication, properties, and applications

In this research, a novel type of waterborne fluorescent nanofiber membranes (WNFM) based on fluorescent acrylic latex (FAL) has been developed by electrospinning method using environment-friendly water as the spinning solvent. FALs are synthesized by doping Rhodamine B (Rh B) into acrylate monomers through emulsion polymerization, and then polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is added to fabricate a series of WNFM via electrospinning process. As the hydrophilic emulsifier sodium dodecyl sulfate enriches on the surface of the latex, a portion of Rh B can be adsorbed onto the surface of FAL and form an electrical double layer to prevent its aggregation, which accounts for the enhancement in fluorescence of FALs. The relationships between the preparation conditions, morphology and properties of WNFM have been studied with a combination of techniques including fluorometry and microscopies. The developed waterborne fluorescent nanofiber membranes demonstrate a good water-resistant property with a linear response of photoluminescence intensity to temperature for many cycles. The study points a new direction to develop the nanofiber membrane using environment-friendly water as a spinning solvent in electrospinning and realize its fluorescent functionalization.