Interfacial jamming reinforced Pickering emulgel for arbitrary architected nanocomposite with connected nanomaterial matrix

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite (NC) printing has emerged as a major approach to translate nanomaterial physical properties to 3D geometries. However, 3D printing of conventional NCs with polymer matrix lacks control over nanomaterial connection that facilitates maximizing nanomaterial advantages. Thus, a printable NC that features nanomaterials matrix necessitates development, nevertheless, faces a challenge in preparation because of the trade-off between viscosity and interfacial stability. Here, we develop viscoelastic Pickering emulgels as NC inks through jamming nanomaterials on interfaces and in continuous phase. Emulgel composed of multiphases allow a vast range of composition options and superior printability. The excellent attributes initiate NC with spatial control over geometrics and functions through 3D printing of graphene oxide/phase-change materials emulgel, for instance. This versatile approach provides the means for architecting NCs with nanomaterial continuous phase whose performance does not constrain the vast array of available nanomaterials and allows for arbitrary hybridization and patterns.

Structured Ultra‐Flyweight Aerogels by Interfacial Complexation: Self‐Assembly Enabling Multiscale Designs

“…[39] Thus, interfacial jamming induced by electrostatic interactions between nanomaterials and oppositely charged surfactants, e.g., ammonium-carboxylate ion pairing, can be another reason for the strong film formation of negatively charged GO nanosheets at the POSS incorporated interfaces (i.e., interfacial complexation). [46] The electrostatic interactions between nanoparticles and surfactants at interfaces have been studied in details in a recent study by Luo et al [47] What is more, the rigid structure of POSS molecules, cubic inorganic silica-cage core with side chains, significantly contributes to the mechanical strength of the GO/POSS interfacial film. Further discussion on the performance of GO with and without POSS at the O/W interface using different techniques (IFT and interfacial rheology) can be found in the Supporting Information.…”

Pickering emulgels reinforced with host–guest supramolecular inclusion complexes for high fidelity direct ink writing

“…In addition, special surface properties of the particles required in HIPPE stabilization greatly limit their broad applicability. 9,10 Recently, Xing et al realized 11 the fabrication of Pickering emulsion gels (emulgels) suitable for DIW via jamming nanoparticles at the oil/water interfaces and in the continuous phase, which required surfactants as coagents. Generally, removing the need for surfactants will reduce the complexity and need for testing their effect on biocompatibility and bioactivity, thus potentially extending the applicability of the products.…”

Additive manufacturing: modular platform for 3D printing fluid-containing monoliths

“…These include impregnation of the printed geometry with fluid, 15,16 incorporation of liquid-solid core-shell particles into a printed substrate, 17 and printing of emulgels with a liquid phase which is stable to postprocessing. 18,19 Specifically, fluid-filled particles have been directly printed, such as in the work by Acevedo and coauthors, who used direct laser writing to print solid shells which were then vacuum filled with liquid and sealed by printing a cap. 15 Rupp and Binder also harnessed the printed geometry to contain fluids within objects through a dual printing method where a fused deposition modeling extruder printed a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix, which was then filled with fluid using a liquid inkjet print head and enclosed by additional printed layers of PCL.…”