Electroless Deposition: A Superficial Route to Synthesis of Highly Conductive Electrospun Nylon 6 Nanofibers

In this study, we report the synthesis of conductive Nylon 6 nanofibers (N6 NFs) using the electroless deposition (ELD) method. We fabricated the N6 NFs by electrospinning technique and modified the surface with [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (PMETAC). After surface modification of N6 NFs, copper metal was successfully deposited using the ELD process. Parameters including time, temperature, volume, and pH concentration were optimized for copper deposition. SEM images revealed smooth morphology of neat N6 NFs and copper-coated N6 NFs. EDX spectrum was performed on neat N6 NFs and copper-coated N6 NFs to ensure the qualitative and quantitative presence of copper nanoparticles. Furthermore, advance characterization methods such as FTIR, XPS, water contact angle, and tensile strength were performed to analyze the successful copper deposition on N6 NFs.