High-performance carbon nanofiber conductive films induced by titanium carbide

Abstract

This study focuses on the fabrication of titanium carbide (TiC)/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite electrothermal films through electrospinning. We investigate the chemical structure transformation occurring during the preparation of TiC/CNF composite electrothermal films and examine the influence of TiC content and carbonization temperature on their electrothermal properties. Experimental results reveal a direct correlation between TiC content and carbonization temperature and the conductivity of the TiC/CNF composite electrothermal film (0.006 S cm⁻¹ to 6.89 S cm⁻¹). Furthermore, positive linear relationships are observed between TiC content, carbonization temperature, external voltage, and the electrothermal performance of the composite electrothermal film. The controllable surface temperature of the composite film ranges from 30.22 °C to 242.50 °C, allowing for electrothermal cycles to be carried out up to 80 times without a loss of efficiency. Additionally, the convective heat transfer with air can be controlled between 0.008 and 9.62, while radiant heat transfer is adjustable between 0.29 and 1.65. Remarkably, the composite electrothermal film exhibits a high heat transfer efficiency of 90.4% and can melt 5 ml of ice within 3 minutes. These findings suggest promising applications in future electrothermal fields.