Here, we introduce regenerated fibers of chitin (Chiber), the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, and propose its utility as a nonwoven fiber separator for lithium metal batteries (LMBs) that exhibits an excellent electrolyte-uptaking capability and Li-dendrite-mitigating performance. Chiber is produced by a centrifugal jet-spinning technique, which allows a simple and fast production of Chibers consisting of hierarchically aligned self-assembled chitin nanofibers. Following the scrutinization on the Chiber-Li-ion interaction via computational methods, we demonstrate the potential of Chiber as a nonwoven mat-type separator by monitoring it in Li-O and Na-O cells.
The cuticles of insects and marine crustaceans are fascinating models for man-made advanced functional composites. The excellent mechanical properties of these biological structures rest on the exquisite self-assembly of natural ingredients, such as biominerals, polysaccharides, and proteins. Among them, the two commonly found building blocks in the model biocomposites are chitin nanofibers and silk-like proteins with β-sheet structure. Despite being wholly organic, the chitinous protein complex plays a key role for the biocomposites by contributing to the overall mechanical robustness and structural integrity. Moreover, the chitinous protein complex alone without biominerals is optically transparent (e.g., dragonfly wings), thereby making it a brilliant model material system for engineering applications where optical transparency is essentially required. Here, inspired by the chitinous protein complex of arthropods cuticles, an optically transparent biomimetic composite that hybridizes chitin nanofibers and silk fibroin (β-sheet) is introduced, and its potential as a biocompatible structural platform for emerging wearable devices (e.g., smart contact lenses) and advanced displays (e.g., transparent plastic cover window) is demonstrated.
In article number https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201705480, Jang‐Ung Park, Byeong‐Soo Bae, Jungho Jin, and co‐workers develop a biomimetic nanocomposite that synergistically hybridizes chitin nanofibers and silk fibroin proteins with β‐sheet structures (CS hybrid), inspired by the exoskeletons of marine crustaceans and insects. The CS hybrids are optically transparent, mechanically robust, and can be fabricated into various formats, such as films and contact lenses. Using the CS hybrids as a structural platform, emerging wearable devices (film‐type heater, ocular sensor) and an advanced display cover window are demonstrated.
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