of sensors and biosensors because of their functionalization ability, electrochemical property, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility. They have exhibited a good response for developing glucose biosensor. Metal-loaded CNFs are gaining in popularity in developing biosensors. For example, palladium-loaded CNFs exhibit good electrochemical catalytic activities for determining dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and ascorbic acid (AA). These three chemicals can be determined simultaneously from their mixture because of their difference in overpotential [19].
CNFs are used as good adsorbent material especially in the field of adsorption/separation because of their high specific surface area and high porosity. Removal of dissolved impurities, such as dyes and metals present in drinking and industrial water, is being tried using CNFs. There are several chapters devoted to different applications of CNF presented in this book.
1.6 Health Hazards of CNF
Though many studies are being conducted with CNFs, some studies have indicated that there are health hazards associated with CNFs especially due to their sizes [20, 21]. One of the hazards associated with CNF is that it is expected to cause respiratory damage such as pulmonary inflammation, granuloma, and fibrosis. These effects are observed with mice. There seem to be no studies available on its effect on human beings. However, it is proposed to wear some type of mask when working with CNF so that it is not inhaled. Sharon and his research team have observed that CNF of a particular band gap if spread over skin affected by cancer cells, and simultaneously exposed to visible light, can kill cancerous cells, suggesting that this material can be used in dermatology for killing the growth of cancer cells grown over skin. However, this experiment was done with mice only [22–25].
1.7 Summary
In this chapter an effort was made to discuss the various aspects of carbon fibers and carbon nanofibers, including their synthesis, properties and applications. An effort was also made to explain the basic differences between carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes.
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1 Email: [email protected]
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Biogenic Carbon Nanofibers
Madhuri Sharon
