| Abstract Scope |
This presentation discusses recent developments in fabrication and applications of highly porous nanofibrous ceramic (NFC) materials in catalysis, filtration, thermal insulation, sensors, and other applications. Fabrication of NFC shapes with tailored microarchitecture and properties represents the major challenge in their technology. The use of high-yield, scalable spinning methods can address those challenges and increase the efficiency of nanofibers production. Several NFC systems with 76–99.97% porosity are discussed in details, including nanocrystalline zirconia/titania and alumina/silica nanofibrous materials with different compositions that have been prepared from precursor fibers obtained by an uncommon, high-throughput, free-surface alternating force electrospinning process. The pecularities of NFC materials calcination and sintering protocols are reviewed. The study shows, in part, that highly porous NFC can be prepared at relatively low sintering temperatures and exhibit good mechanical durability, machinability, thermal and chemical stability in flat and tubular membrane structures for various catalytic schemes. |