Preparation of arrayed helical micro/nanofibers by near-field electrospinning

The helical micro/nanofiber arrays of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were successfully prepared by Near-field electrospinning(NFES) with different concentrations of PVP and different voltages by a gradient of per 0.5 kV from 1 kV to 2.2 kV. It is found that the morphology of the arrayed fibers evolved with regularity with the increase of the working voltage, and the uniformity of the fiber arrays also increased. The formation mechanism of the arrayed helical micro/nanofibers was analyzed. This may be a cost-effective method for the large-scale production of morphologically controllable spiral fibers, which opens up an effective way for the precise and controlled deposition of electrospun helical fibers and the integration of single or array spiral fibers with functional devices. (paper)