Synthesis of Ultra-long Hollow Mercury Selenide (HgSe) Chalcogenide Nanofibers from Co and Ni Sacrificial Nanofibers
Nche George Ndifor-Angwafor *
Laboratory of Noxious Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
Mominou Nchare
School of Geology, Mining and Minerals Processing (E.G.E.M de Meiganga), University of Ngaoundere. P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Tchuifon Tchuifon Donald Raoul
Laboratory of Noxious Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
Ngakou Sadeu Christian
Laboratory of Noxious Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
Anagho Solomon Gabche
Laboratory of Noxious Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon
Nosang V. Myung
Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A general synthetic method has been used to fabricate Co and Ni nanofibers. By using the electrospinning technique followed by galvanic displacement reaction, we have successfully prepared ultra-long hollow chalcogen and chalcogenide nanofibers. The outstanding features of this approach to get ultra-long sacrificial nanofibers with controlled dimensions and morphology, thereby imparting control over the composition and shape of the nanostructures evolved during galvanic displacement reaction are its simplicity, effectiveness and ease of assembly. The aim of this study is to exploit the structural and compositional changes during the formation of HgSe chalcogenide with a view of fabricating a mercury sensor.
Keywords: Co nanofiber, Ni nanofiber, galvanic displacement, HgSe chalcogenide