Near-Field Electrospinning: Progress and Applications

Abstract

Electrospinning is a straightforward and versatile method to fabricate ultrafine fibers with unique physical and chemical properties. However, the chaotic nature of traditional electrospinning limits its applications in devices which usually need arranged or patterned micro/nanoscale fibrous structures. In order to improve the controllable deposition of electrospun fibers, near-field electrospinning (NFES) has been proposed and developed in recent years. With characteristics of position-controlled deposition, NFES significantly expands the range of fiber-fabrication uses including electronic components, energy harvesting, flexible sensors, and tissue engineering. In this paper, the basic principle and research advances of NFES have been briefly reviewed. In particular, we summarize the process parameters, polymer materials, as-spun fibrous structures, modified apparatus, and potential applications of NFES. Finally, future prospects on the development tendency and challenges of NFES are discussed.