String electrospinning based on the standing wave vibration

Preparation of high-quality nanofibers with low applied voltage remains a challenge for needleless electrospinning. In this work, we developed a novel electrospinning technique based on the standing wave vibration of a string. The effects of the process parameters and string parameters on nanofiber diameter and productivity were investigated. The results indicated that standing wave electrospinning is competitive in terms of fiber diameter and productivity when compared with single conventional needle electrospinning. Moreover, the threshold voltage of standing wave electrospinning (18 kV) was approximately 30% lower than most of the current needleless electrospinning techniques (30 kV). The finest nanofiber with a diameter of 173 ± 48 nm was prepared at an applied voltage of 28 kV, a spinning distance of 10 cm, and a standing wave number of 3. The fiber diameter and productivity were significantly influenced by the string diameter and shape instead of the electrical conductivity of the string. The results demonstrated the considerable potential of standing wave electrospinning for fine nanofiber preparation under a low applied voltage.