Abstract

We use the intermediate formation of layered Mg(OH)2 nanosheets that form inside polyvinylalcohol (PVA) based fibres during nanoparticle-polymer formulation to electrospin MgO nanoparticle-based fibre architectures. Mg(OH)2 nanosheets undergo topotactic dehydration when calcined. These sheets, when combined with polymer removal, produce staggered MgO nanoparticle ensembles composed of flat ribbons. MgO nanoparticles retain their crystallinity and structure inside electrospun fibres using methanol as a solvent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibres [1]. They form nanoparticle threads with a cylindrical profile and particle size gradient after calcination.