Polycaprolactone Fibrous Membranes Coated with Reduced Graphene Oxide for Scalable 3D Printing of Electronics and Bioelectronics

Abstract

The development of advanced conductive polymer matrix composites is crucial for technological innovation in sectors demanding materials with enhanced multifunctional properties. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), combining the electrical conductivity of the rGO with the biocompatibility, flexibility, and mechanical integrity of the PCL membranes. We employed a rotary jet spinning technique to fabricate uniform PCL fibers, followed by dip-coating with graphene oxide and thermal reduction of the graphene oxide on a hot plate. The reduction process was systematically investigated to optimize the electrical conductivity and establish correlations between electrical performance, chemical composition, and structural transformations. The crystalline structure, morphology, chemical composition, and thermal stability of the nanocoated polymer membranes were confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Electrical resistance trends were supported by XPS and Raman spectroscopy, indicating enhanced sp² carbon hybridization, an increased carbon–oxygen ratio and reduced structural disorder. This study highlights a scalable approach for integrating rGO into PCL, significantly enhancing the electrical properties of the composite and making it a promising candidate for applications in printed electronics and bioelectronics, including flexible biosensors and electroactive scaffolds for tissue engineering.