Fabrication of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers loaded with zinc oxide particles

Smooth, continuous, and bead-free zinc oxide (ZnO)-loaded electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated using 8% and 10% PVA concentration in water. Scanning electron microscope images showed a significant change in fiber diameter upon the addition of ZnO powders. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectral analysis revealed the successful physical blending of ZnO in PVA. Through UV–vis spectroscopy, it was found that the optical bandgap of the ZnO:PVA composite sheets ranged from 3.15 to 3.45 eV. The immobilization of ZnO in PVA support may find use as a reusable material for photocatalytic applications.