- By:
- Ihala Gamaralalage, Chanaka K; Jang, Seokhoon ; Meyer III, Harry M; Abdul Rahman, Muhammad Nabihan Bin ; Polo Garzon, Felipe ; Su, Yi Feng ; Lin, Lianshan ; Armstrong, Beth L; Wang, Hsin
- Journal Name:
- Materials Today Nano
- Page Number:
- 100932
- Volume:
- 35
- Publication Date:
- September 1, 2026
- View DOI Listing:
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtnano.2026.100932
Abstract
This study presents a one-pot synthesis route to organometallic nanofibers based on copper thiolate, exhibiting distinctive chemical and physical characteristics. Electron microscopy analysis of morphology and composition revealed 2-10 μm-long, 50-90 nm-diameter hollow and non-hollow fibers composed of copper, sulfur, oxygen, hydrocarbon, and chlorine. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a pronounced mass loss within 120°C-135°C. To elucidate the thermal responsive pathways, the nanofibers were characterized before and after heating. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that an initially mixed Cu(I)/Cu(II) oxidation states transition to predominantly Cu(I) upon heating. A layer of nanofiber was coated on battery pouch foil and evaluated as a candidate thermally sensitive coating. At elevated temperature (100-130°C), nanofiber coating released volatile organic compounds, sulfide and sulfur dioxide as detected using multiple gas sensors. This thermally responsive gas release/sensing approach provides a potential large-area temperature monitoring strategy, which is particularly relevant where direct temperature measurements of individual batteries is impractical. The results established proof of concept for nanofiber-coated battery pouch foil as overtemperature warning platform that can provide alerts when surface temperatures exceed a critical threshold. More broadly, the ability to form interconnected fiber networks positions copper thiolate nanofiber coatings as promising materials for advanced applications.
