Electrosprayed membrane with heat treatment

In this paper, electrospray technology was utilized to fabricate micro membrane. The stable cone-jet injection mode was the key role to atomize uniformity particle and smooth membrane. As applied voltage ranged from 2.5kV to 7.5kV, the stable cone-jet model was built up. When the applied voltage increased from 2.5kV to 7.5kV, the average linear jet length increased from 3.699mm to 4.653mm under the stable cone-jet mode. Under the smaller distance between the nozzle and collector of 3~5cm, electrospray particles with higher solvent content was syncretized into membrane. Larger applied voltage led to higher surface charge density and multiple jets injection mode, in which electrospray particles can be syncretized into membrane structure. The uniformity and compactness of the membranes can be improved through the heat treatment. Smooth and uniform membrane can be fabricated with the heat treatment temperature of 100°C. With the help of heat treatment, the thickness of electrospray membrane was decreased from 9.06 μm to 6.41 μm. Electrospray technology provides an excellent way to fabricate polymer micro membrane and had great application potential.