Preparation of carbon nanofibres through electrospinning and thermal treatment

Electrospinning is a versatile process to obtain continuous carbon nanofibres at low cost. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer precursors are utilized to prepare electrospun carbon nanofibres, activated carbon nanofibres through chemical and/or physical activation and functionalized composite carbon nanofibres by surface coating or electrospinning a precursor solution tailored with nanomaterials. Many promising applications of electrospun carbon nanofibres can be expected if appropriate microstructural, mechanical and electrical properties become available. This article provides an in‐depth review of the research activities regarding several varieties and performance requirements of precursor nanofibres, polyacrylonitrile‐based carbon nanofibres and their functionalized products, and carbon nanofibres from other precursors.