title: EELS Analysis of Nylon 6 Nanofibers Reinforced with Nitroxide-Functionalized Graphene Oxide.
abstract: A detailed analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) of nitroxide-functionalized graphene oxide layers (GOFT) dispersed in Nylon 6 nanofibers is reported herein. The functionalization and exfoliation process of graphite oxide to GOFT was confirmed by TEM using electron diffraction patterns (EDP), wherein 1 to 4 graphene layers of GOFT were observed. The distribution and alignment of GOFT layers within a sample of Nylon 6 nanofiber reveals that GOFT platelets are mainly within the fiber, but some were partially protruding from it. Furthermore, Nylon 6 nanofibers exhibit an average diameter of 225 nm with several microns in length. GOFT platelets embedded into the fiber, the pristine fiber, and amorphous carbon were analyzed by EELS where each spectra [corresponding to the carbon edge (C-K)] exhibited changes in the fine structure, allowing a clear distinction between: i) GOFT single-layers, ii) Nylon-6 nanofibers, and iii) the carbon substrate. EELS analysis is presented here for the first time as a powerful tool to identify functionalized graphene single-layers (< 4 layers of GOFT) into a Nylon 6 nanofiber composite.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S. C. (CIMAV-Unidad Monterrey), Av. Alianza Norte # 202, Autopista Monterrey-Aeropuerto Km 10, PIIT, Apodaca, N. L., México, C.P. 66600 ; Centro de Investigación en Materiales DIP-CUCEI, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Revolución # 1500, Col. Olímpica, Guadalajara, México. C.P. 44430.
authors.forename: César
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leyva-Porras
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S.C. (CIMAV) and Laboratorio Nacional de Nanotecnología. Miguel de Cervantes # 120. Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Chih. México. 31109.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ornelas-Gutiérrez
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S.C. (CIMAV) and Laboratorio Nacional de Nanotecnología. Miguel de Cervantes # 120. Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Chih. México. 31109.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miki-Yoshida
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S. C. (CIMAV-Unidad Monterrey), Av. Alianza Norte # 202, Autopista Monterrey-Aeropuerto Km 10, PIIT, Apodaca, N. L., México, C.P. 66600.
authors.forename: Yazmín I
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Avila-Vega
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas-Pan American, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX. 78539, USA.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Macossay
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S. C. (CIMAV-Unidad Monterrey), Av. Alianza Norte # 202, Autopista Monterrey-Aeropuerto Km 10, PIIT, Apodaca, N. L., México, C.P. 66600.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bonilla-Cruz