Advanced Fiber Materials最新文献

Engineering bead-on-string architectures with refined interfacial interactions and low ion diffusion barriers is a highly promising but challenging approach for lithium/sodium storage. Herein, a spindle-chain-structured Fe-based metal organic frameworks (MIL-88A) self-sacrificial template was constructed via the seed-mediated growth of Fe³⁺ and fumaric acid in an aqueous solution, which is an environmentally friendly synthesis route. The seed-mediated growth method effectively segregates the nucleation stage from the subsequent growth phase, offering precise control over the growth patterns of MIL-88A through manipulation of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The structural diversity, fast ion/electron diffusion, and unique interfaces of whole anodes are simultaneously enhanced through optimization of the spindle-chain structure of Fe₂O₃@N-doped carbon nanofibers (FO@NCNFs) at the atomic, nano, and macroscopic levels. Benefiting from their heteroatom-doping conductive networks, porous structure, and synergistic effects, FO@NCNFs exhibit a remarkable rate performance of 167 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 A g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and long-term cycling stability with a sustained capacity of 260 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). This versatile approach for fabricating bead-on-string architectures at both the nanoscale and macroscale is promising for the development of high-energy–density and high-power-density electrode materials.

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Smart implantable biomedical textiles with sensing functions are of increasing interest because they address the shortcoming that conventional medical devices have repair functions but lack of sensing ability. However, the evaluation of such devices before practical applications is hampered by high cost and/or animal ethics. Soft bioreactors on humanoid robots open up a new pathway for assessing their performances by closely mimicking both the body biomechanics and the physiological environment.

An artificial withdrawal reflex arc that can realize neuromorphic tactile perception, neural coding, information processing, and real-time responses was fabricated at the device level without dependence on algorithms. As an extended application, the artificial reflex arc was used to perform an object-lifting task based on tactile commands, and it can easily lift a 200-g weight. A fiber-exploiting electro-optical synaptic transistor (FEST) was fabricated to emulate synaptic plasticity modulated by electrical or optical spikes. Due to an ultrahigh spike duration-dependent plasticity index (~ 12,651%), the FEST was applied in electro-optical encrypted communication tasks and effectively increased signal recognition accuracy. In addition, the FEST has excellent bending resistance (bending radii = 0.6–1.4 cm, bending cycles > 2000) and stable illumination responses for a wide range of incident angles (0°–360°), demonstrating its potential applicability in wearable electronics. This work presents new design strategies for complete artificial reflex arcs and wearable neuromorphic devices, which may have applications in bioinspired artificial intelligence, human–machine interaction, and neuroprosthetics.

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The compelling combination of thermochromism and multifunctional wearable heaters in smart textiles has received increasing attention given the significant synergistic effect of green solar heat supply and energy storage. However, due to color incompatibility and poor knittability, developing fabrics with bistable thermochromic properties to achieve efficient solar–thermal management remains a challenging endeavor. Here, by combining bistable thermochromic, photochromic, and efficient solar–thermal properties, we constructed an asymmetric Janus (Janus A/B) fiber (BTCSJF) that can simultaneously display two colors and help with energy reserve while harvesting solar power. Benefiting greatly from donor–acceptor electron transfer, dynamic hydrogen bonding, and supercooling properties, BTCSJF displays a quick switch in color, excellent bistability, and enhanced performance in storing phase-change energy. In addition, BTCSJF can be self-heated by 35.6 °C higher than conventional fibers because it can capture and store solar energy. This research outlines a method to fabricate braided fibers with two theoretically incompatible properties that have promising implications for self-powered integrated bistable color-changing and personal thermal management applications.

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An asymmetric Janus light absorbent/bistable thermochromic fiber (BTCSJF) was designed and fabricated, which can combine solar energy, phase-change energy storage, and bistable thermo- and photochromic properties. The unique Janus structure allows it to be used as a portable heater to stimulate color changes without obscuring color due to dark photothermal materials. Meanwhile, the heat energy converted by solar energy can be stored for personal thermal management.

Photocatalytic H₂O₂ synthesis (PHS) via graphite carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is a low-carbon and environmentally friendly approach, which has garnered tremendous attention. However, as for the pristine g-C₃N₄, the PHS is severely constrained by the slow transfer and rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers. Herein, we introduced cellulose-derived carbon nanofibers (CF) into the homojunction of g-C₃N₄ nanotubes (MCN) and g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (SCN). A series of photocatalytic results demonstrate that the embedding of cellulose-derived carbon for MCN/SCN/CF composite catalyst significantly improved the photocatalytic H₂O₂ generation (136.9 μmol·L⁻¹·h⁻¹) with 5-holds higher than that of individual MCN (27.5 μmol·L⁻¹·h⁻¹) without any sacrificial agent. This enhancement can be attributed to the combined effects of the two-step one-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on conduction band (CB) side and the water oxidation reaction (WOR) on valence band (VB) side. A comprehensive characterization of the mechanism indicates that CF enhances the absorption of light, promotes the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, and regulates the position of the valence and conduction bands with an effective dual-channel ORR pathway for photo-synthesis of H₂O₂. This work provides valuable insights into utilizing biomass-based materials for significantly boosting photocatalytic H₂O₂ production.

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Architecture of fibrous building blocks with ordered structure and high electroactivity that enables quick charge kinetic transport/intercalation is necessary for high-energy-density electrochemical supercapacitors. Herein, we report a heterostructured molybdenum disulfide@vertically aligned graphene fiber (MoS₂@VA-GF), wherein well-defined MoS₂ nanosheets are decorated on vertical graphene fibers by C–O–Mo covalent bonds. Benefiting from uniform microfluidic self-assembly and confined reactions, it is realized that the unique characteristics of a vertical-aligned skeleton, large faradic activity, in situ interfacial connectivity and high-exposed surface/porosity remarkably create efficiently directional ionic pathways, interfacial electron mobility and pseudocapacitive accessibility for accelerating charge transport and intercalation/de-intercalation. Resultant MoS₂@VA-GF exhibits large gravimetric capacitance (564 F g⁻¹) and reversible redox transitions in 1 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. Furthermore, the MoS₂@VA-GF-based solid-state supercapacitors deliver high energy density (45.57 Wh kg⁻¹), good cycling stability (20,000 cycles) and deformable/temperature-tolerant capability. Beyond that, supercapacitors can realize actual applications of powering multicolored optical fiber lamps, wearable watch, electric fans and sunflower toys.

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Given the abundant solar light available on our planet, it is promising to develop an advanced fabric capable of simultaneously providing personal thermal management and facilitating clean water production in an energy-efficient manner. In this study, we present the fabrication of a photothermally active, biodegradable composite cloth composed of titanium carbide MXene and cellulose, achieved through an electrospinning method. This composite cloth exhibits favorable attributes, including chemical stability, mechanical performance, structural flexibility, and wettability. Notably, our 0.1-mm-thick composite cloth (RC/MXene IV) raises the temperature of simulated skin by 5.6 °C when compared to a commercially available cotton cloth, which is five times thicker under identical ambient conditions. Remarkably, the composite cloth (RC/MXene V) demonstrates heightened solar light capture efficiency (87.7%) when in a wet state instead of a dry state. Consequently, this cloth functions exceptionally well as a high-performance steam generator, boasting a superior water evaporation rate of 1.34 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ under one-sun irradiation (equivalent to 1000 W m⁻²). Moreover, it maintains its performance excellence in solar desalination processes. The multifunctionality of these cloths opens doors to a diverse array of outdoor applications, including solar-driven water evaporation and personal heating, thereby enriching the scope of integrated functionalities for textiles.

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High-performance wearable electronics are highly desirable for the development of body warming and human health monitoring devices. In the present study, high electrically conductive and photothermal cotton yarns (CYs) with long-term stability were prepared as wearable electronics. The process contains back-to-back decoration of the fiber surface by Ti₃C₂T_x (MXene) nanosheets, and the poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) composite, to form a core–shell structure (MP@CY). The addition of a small amount of PEDOT: PSS plays a dual role of protecting the MXene from oxidation and increasing the electrical conductivity. The resulting yarn exhibits excellent electrical conductivity (21.8 Ω cm⁻¹), rapid electrothermal response, and superb photothermal conversion capability, supporting its application as an optical/electrical dual-drive heater. A three-dimensional (3D) honeycomb-like textile wearable heater based on MP@CY as weft yarn demonstrates outstanding electrical thermal properties (0–2.5 V, 30–196.8 °C) and exceptional photothermal conversion (130 mW cm⁻², 64.2 °C). Using an Internet of Things (IoT) microcontroller and Espressif (ESP) electronics chip, which are combined with wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and smartphone, real-time visualization and precise control of the temperature interface can be achieved. Furthermore, MP@CY-based knitted sensors, obtained by hand-knitting, are utilized for monitoring human movement and health, exhibiting high sensitivity and long-term cycling stability.

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Noninvasive human augmentation, namely a desirable approach for enhancing the quality of life, can be achieved through wearable electronic devices that interact with the external environment. Wearable electronic devices endure limitations, such as unreliable signal interaction when bent or deformed, excessive wiring requirements, and lack of programmability and multifunctionality. Herein, we report an intelligent and programmable (IP) fabric sensor with bending insensitivity that overcomes these challenges associated with a rapid response time (< 400 μs) and exceptional durability (> 20,000 loading–unloading cycles). A single-layer parallel electrical bilateral structure is utilized to design the IP fabric sensor with reconfigurability and only two electrodes, which caters to the requirement of stable interactions and simple wiring. The multifunctionality of the IP fabric sensor is demonstrated by designing a closed-loop interactive entertainment system, a smart home system, and a user identification and verification system. This integrated system reveals the potential of combining Internet of Things technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Hopefully, the integration of the noninvasive IP fabric sensor with AI will facilitate the advancement of interactive systems for human augmentation.

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Thick cathodes can overcome the low capacity issues, which mostly hamper the performance of the conventional active cathode materials, used in rechargeable Li batteries. However, the typical slurry-based method induces cracking and flaking during the fabrication of thick electrodes. In addition, a significant increase in the charge-transfer resistance and local current overload results in poor rate capabilities and cycling stabilities, thereby limiting electrode thickening. In this study, a synergistic dual-network combination strategy based on a conductive nanofibrillar network (CNN) and a nano-bridging amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (aPHA) binder is used to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a high-performance thick cathode. The CNN and aPHA dual network facilitates the fabrication of a thick cathode (≥ 250 μm thickness and ≥ 90 wt% active cathode material) by a mass-producible slurry method. The thick cathode exhibited a high rate capability and excellent cycling stability. In addition, the thick cathode and thin Li metal anode pair (Li//t-NCM) exhibited an optimal energy performance, affording high-performance Li metal batteries with a high areal energy of ~ 25.3 mW h cm⁻², a high volumetric power density of ~ 1720 W L⁻¹, and an outstanding specific energy of ~ 470 W h kg⁻¹ at only 6 mA h cm⁻².

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TOC figure: Synergistic combination of a conductive nano-fibrillar network (CNN) and nano-bridging amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (aPHA) binder that affords the high-performance cathode with ≥ 250 μm thickness and ≥ 90 wt% active cathode material. Li-metal batteries (Li//t-NCM) based on thick cathodes and thin Li exhibit outstanding energy storage performance.