Green processing of intractable polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) into solid materials has the potential to enable new multifunctional devices for applications ranging from biomedicine to water remediation. PECs form due to electrostatic complexation between oppositely-charged polymers. Here, I will discuss how we have exploited the salt-driven plasticization of PECs to enable the electrospinning of ultra-stable solid fibers from an aqueous solution. Electrospinning solutions were composed of a pair of strong polyelectrolytes, poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid, sodium salt) and poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) using potassium bromide as the plasticizing salt. We systematically investigated the effect of salt concentration and electrospinning apparatus parameters on fiber formation. Electrospun PEC fiber mats were stable over a wide range of pH values, ionic strength conditions, and many organic solvents. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability to sequester model compounds within PEC fiber mats both via encapsulation prior to electrospinning, and via uptake into as-spun fiber mats. These results provide a preview of the potential to use PECs in the green engineering of multifunctional materials that circumvent organic solvents and cytotoxic crosslinkers.<br/>

Functional fibers electrospun from polyelectrolyte complex coacervates

254th National Meeting (2017)

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