

Functional Biomaterials Derived from Protein Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation and Liquid‐to‐Solid Transition
Protein can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation and liquid-to-solid transition to form liquid condensates and solid aggregates. These phase transitions can be influenced by post-translational modifications, mutations, and various environmental factors. Effective modulation of protein phase behavior offers promising applications in drug discovery, delivery, and fabrication of multifunctional protein-based liquid and solid materials.
Abstract
Protein phase transitions play a vital role in both cellular functions and pathogenesis. Dispersed proteins can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation to form condensates, a process that is reversible and highly regulated within cells. The formation and physicochemical properties of these condensates, such as composition, viscosity, and multiphase miscibility, are precisely modulated to fulfill specific biological functions. However, protein condensates can undergo a further liquid-to-solid state, forming β-sheet-rich aggregates that may disrupt cellular function and lead to diseases. While this phenomenon is crucial for biological processes and has significant implications for neurodegenerative diseases, the phase behavior of naturally derived or engineered proteins and polypeptides also presents opportunities for developing high-performance, multifunctional materials at various scales. Additionally, the unique molecular recruitment capabilities of condensates inspire innovative advancements in biomaterial design for applications in drug discovery, delivery, and biosynthesis. This work highlights recent progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying protein phase behavior, particularly how it responds to internal molecular changes and external physical stimuli. Furthermore, the fabrication of multifunctional materials derived from diverse protein sources through controlled phase transitions is demonstrated.
Designing for Degradation: Transient Devices Enabled by (Nano)Cellulose
Recent progress in transient devices enabled by (nano)cellulosic materials is reviewed. Transiency mechanisms, advantages of nanocelluloses, and a suite of applications are discussed. A circular thinking approach coupled with life cycle assessment is applied to critically revisit the potential, advantages, and challenges of nanocellulose-enabled transient devices for future materials innovation.
Abstract
Transient technology involves materials and devices that undergo controlled degradation after a reliable operation period. This groundbreaking strategy offers significant advantages over conventional devices based on non-renewable materials by limiting environmental exposure to potentially hazardous components after disposal, and by increasing material circularity. As the most abundant naturally occurring polymer on Earth, cellulose is an attractive material for this purpose. Besides, (nano)celluloses are inherently biodegradable and have competitive mechanical, optical, thermal, and ionic conductivity properties that can be exploited to develop sustainable devices and avoid the end-of-life issues associated with conventional systems. Despite its potential, few efforts have been made to review current advances in cellulose-based transient technology. Therefore, this review catalogs the state-of-the-art developments in transient devices enabled by cellulosic materials. To provide a wide perspective, the various degradation mechanisms involved in cellulosic transient devices are introduced. The advanced capabilities of transient cellulosic systems in sensing, photonics, energy storage, electronics, and biomedicine are also highlighted. Current bottlenecks toward successful implementation are discussed, with material circularity and environmental impact metrics at the center. It is believed that this review will serve as a valuable resource for the proliferation of cellulose-based transient technology and its implementation into fully integrated, circular, and environmentally sustainable devices.
Biopolymer and Biomimetic Techniques for Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs)
This study introduces advancements in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) utilizing biopolymers for sustainable energy solutions. The study encapsulates the multifaceted role of biopolymers and biomimetic technique in TENGs, highlighting their intrinsic properties that contribute to the innovation of self-powered systems. The exploration of these renewable materials underscores a significant step toward green energy, aligning with the global goals sustainable technologies.
Abstract
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) play a crucial role in attaining sustainable energy for various wearable devices. Polymer materials are essential components of TENGs. Biopolymers are suitable materials for TENGs because of their degradability, natural sourcing, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, the latest progress in commonly used biopolymers and well-designed biomimetic techniques for TENG is summarized. The applications of natural rubber, polysaccharides, protein-based biopolymers, and other common synthetic biopolymers in TENG technology are summarized in detail. Each biopolymer is discussed based on its electrification capability, polarity variations, and specific functionalities as active and functional layers of TENGs. Important biomimetic strategies and related applications of specific biopolymers are also summarized to guide the structural and functional design of TENG. In the future, the study of triboelectric biopolymers may focus on exploring alternative candidates, enhancing charge density, and expanding functionality. Various possible applications of biopolymer-based TENGs are proposed in this review. By applying biopolymers and related biomimetic methods to TENG devices, the applications of TENG in the fields of healthcare, environmental monitoring, and wearable/implantable electronics can be further promoted.
Poly(Lactic Acid): Recent Stereochemical Advances and New Materials Engineering
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a representative biobased and biodegradable polyester among sustainable materials. This review covers the basic structural variety of PLA, current states of stereocontrolled synthesis as well as the relationships between the structures and properties. Moreover, state-of-the-art examples of high-performance PLA-based materials within an array of applications (packaging, fibers textiles, biomedicine, healthcare, and electronic devices) are highlighted.
Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a representative biobased and biodegradable aliphatic polyester and a front-runner among sustainable materials. As a semicrystalline thermoplastic, PLA exhibits excellent mechanical and physical properties, attracting considerable attention in commodity and medical fields. Stereochemistry is a key factor affecting PLA's properties, and to this end, the engineering of PLA's microstructure for tailored material properties has been an active area of research over the decade. This Review first covers the basic structural variety of PLA. A perspective on the current states of stereocontrolled synthesis as well as the relationships between the structures and properties of PLA stereosequences are included, with an emphasis on record regularity and properties. At last, state-of-the-art examples of high-performance PLA-based materials within an array of applications are given, including packaging, fibers, and textiles, healthcare and electronic devices. Among various stereo-regular sequences of PLA, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is the most prominent category and has myriad unique properties and applications. In this regard, cutting-edge applications of PLLA are mainly overviewed in this review. At the same time, new materials developed based on other PLA stereosequences are highlighted, which holds the potential to a wide variety of PLA-based sustainable materials.
Sustainable Biopolymers in Eco‐Friendly Triboelectric Energy Harvesting
This work begins with a review of the recent advancements in the realm of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) that utilize sustainable biopolymers. Subsequently, it summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these sustainable biopolymers, emphasizes critical challenges that future research should tackle, and offers suggestions for the advancement of biopolymer-based TENG technologies.
Abstract
Biopolymer-based triboelectric nanogenerators (B-TENGs) represent an innovative fusion of eco-friendly, sustainable energy-harvesting technology with renewable and environmentally benign biopolymer material. This integration not only introduces novel pathways for advancing green energy solutions but also offers a critical approach to addressing contemporary environmental challenges and fostering sustainable progress. Over the past few years, B-TENGs have seen rapid and remarkable growth in the realm of biopolymers, device architecture, and their applications (e.g., implantable power source, electronic medicine, human anatomical and physiological movements monitoring sensors, etc.). In this review article, the promising developments in harnessing triboelectric biopolymers are encapsulated, enumerate their representative applications, evaluate the pros and cons of these biopolymers, highlight key challenges for future research, and offer strategic recommendations for innovating and realizing advanced B-TENGs.
Cellulose‐Templated Nanomaterials for Nanogenerators and Self‐Powered Sensors
Cellulose-templated nanomaterials enable the delicate nano-/microscale structural construction. This review aims to present cellulose-templated nanomaterials for the developments in the field of nanogenerators and self-powered sensors, through introducing various cellulose-templated nanomaterials including template and guest materials, following a detailed analysis on related fashionable applications of nanogenerators and self-powered sensors in cellulose-templated nanomaterials.
Abstract
Energy crisis inspires the development of renewable and clean energy sources, along with related applications such as nanogenerators and self-powered devices. Balancing high performance and environmental sustainability in advanced material innovation is a challenging task. Addressing the global challenges of sustainable development and carbon neutrality lead to increased interest in biopolymer research. Nanocellulose materials, derived from biopolymers, demonstrate potential as template candidates for advanced materials, due to their unique properties, including high strength, high surface area, controllable pore structures and high-water retention. In recent years, cellulose-templated nanomaterials enable delicate nano-/microscale structural construction, thus promoting developments in the field of nanogenerators and self-powered sensors. However, there is still a limited number of reviews focused on cellulose-templated nanomaterials for applications in nanogenerators and self-powered sensors. This review aims to fill this research gap by introducing various cellulose-templated nanomaterials and providing a detailed analysis of their fashionable applications in nanogenerators and self-powered sensors. The goal is to present cellulose-templated nanomaterials as highly promising template and guest materials for templating technologies, offering sustainable nano-/microscale control over advanced materials for the foreseeable future. This potential is promising for new applications in the fields of nanogenerators and self-powered sensors.
Bacterial Cellulose Applications in Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices
Bacterial cellulose, a type of biopolymer, demonstrates considerable potential as a raw material for the development of electrochemical energy storage devices. This review offers a comprehensive overview of bacterial cellulose, focusing on its applications in electrolytes, binders, and separators, as well as its role as a derived host for anodes and cathodes.
Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is produced via the fermentation of various microorganisms. It has an interconnected 3D porous network structure, strong water-locking ability, high mechanical strength, chemical stability, anti-shrinkage properties, renewability, biodegradability, and a low cost. BC-based materials and their derivatives have been utilized to fabricate advanced functional materials for electrochemical energy storage devices and flexible electronics. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of BC-related functional materials for electrochemical energy storage devices. The origin, components, and microstructure of BC are discussed, followed by the advantages of using BC in energy storage applications. Then, BC-related material design strategies in terms of solid electrolytes, binders, and separators, as well as BC-derived carbon nanofibers for electroactive materials are discussed. Finally, a short conclusion and outlook regarding current challenges and future research opportunities related to BC-based advanced functional materials for next-generation energy storage devices suggestions are proposed.
Versatile Biopolymers for Advanced Lithium and Zinc Metal Batteries
This review systematically examines biopolymers and their protective mechanisms for Li and Zn metal anodes. It covers key biopolymer types, structures, and properties, and explores their applications as artificial SEIs, electrolyte additives, separators, and solid-state electrolytes. The review highlights how these biopolymers enhance electrochemical performance and discusses current challenges and future research directions in this evolving field.
Abstract
Lithium (Li) and zinc (Zn) metals are emerging as promising anode materials for next-generation rechargeable metal batteries due to their excellent electronic conductivity and high theoretical capacities. However, issues such as uneven metal ion deposition and uncontrolled dendrite growth result in poor electrochemical stability, limited cycle life, and rapid capacity decay. Biopolymers, recognized for their abundance, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, tunable structures, and adjustable properties, offer a compelling solution to these challenges. This review systematically and comprehensively examines biopolymers and their protective mechanisms for Li and Zn metal anodes. It begins with an overview of biopolymers, detailing key types, their structures, and properties. The review then explores recent advancements in the application of biopolymers as artificial solid electrolyte interphases, electrolyte additives, separators, and solid-state electrolytes, emphasizing how their structural properties enhance protection mechanisms and improve electrochemical performance. Finally, perspectives on current challenges and future research directions in this evolving field are provided.
Emerging Sustainable Structural Materials by Assembling Cellulose Nanofibers
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has unique intrinsic physical properties, showing great potential for constructing sustainable materials. This review introduces emerging CNF-based structural materials, including challenges in their assembly process and their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties. Based on the structural designability and functionalization characteristics of CNF-based structural materials, the potential applications and future trends are discussed.
Abstract
Under the guidance of the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the urgency for green ecological construction and the depletion of nonrenewable resources highlight the importance of the research and development of sustainable new materials. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is the most abundant natural nanoscale building block widely existing on Earth. CNF has unique intrinsic physical properties, such as low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, high strength, and high modulus, which is an ideal candidate with outstanding potential for constructing sustainable materials. In recent years, CNF-based structural material has emerged as a sustainable lightweight material with properties very different from traditional structural materials. Here, to comprehensively introduce the assembly of structural materials based on CNF, it starts with an overview of different forms of CNF-based materials, including fibers, films, hydrogels, aerogels, and structural materials. Next, the challenges that need to be overcome in preparing CNF-based structural materials are discussed, their assembly methods are introduced, and an in-depth analysis of the advantages of the CNF-based hydrogel assembly strategy to fabricate structural materials is conducted. Finally, the unique properties of emerging CNF-based structural materials are summarized and concluded with an outlook on their design and functionalization, potentially paving the way toward new opportunities.
Biopolymer‐Derived Carbon Materials for Wearable Electronics
Wearable electronics utilizing advanced carbon materials from fossil origins face issues like non-renewability, high energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Biopolymers present a sustainable alternative for carbon-based wearables. This review highlights the carbonization of key biopolymers—cellulose, lignin, chitin, and silk fibroin—discussing mechanisms, techniques, and applications of biopolymer-derived carbon materials in wearable technology.
Abstract
Advanced carbon materials are widely utilized in wearable electronics. Nevertheless, the production of carbon materials from fossil-based sources raised concerns regarding their non-renewability, high energy consumption, and the consequent greenhouse gas emissions. Biopolymers, readily available in nature, offer a promising and eco-friendly alternative as a carbon source, enabling the sustainable production of carbon materials for wearable electronics. This review aims to discuss the carbonization mechanisms, carbonization techniques, and processes, as well as the diverse applications of biopolymer-derived carbon materials (BioCMs) in wearable electronics. First, the characteristics of four representative biopolymers, including cellulose, lignin, chitin, and silk fibroin, and their carbonization processes are discussed. Then, typical carbonization techniques, including pyrolysis carbonization, laser-induced carbonization, Joule heating carbonization, hydrothermal transformation, and salt encapsulation carbonization are discussed. The influence of the processes on the morphology and properties of the resultant BioCMs are summarized. Subsequently, applications of BioCMs in wearable devices, including physical sensors, chemical sensors, energy devices, and display devices are discussed. Finally, the challenges currently facing the field and the future opportunities are discussed.
Biopolymer‐Based Flame Retardants and Flame‐Retardant Materials
This review presents recent advancements in producing sustainable flame-retardant materials using biopolymers as additive agents, functional coatings, and structural matrices. The focus is on advanced applications for lithium-ion batteries, thermal insulation, and fire warning devices. Most of these applications utilize biopolymers derived from non-food sources such as cellulose, lignin, chitosan, and alginates obtained from plants and marine organisms.
Abstract
Polymeric materials featuring excellent flame retardancy are essential for applications requiring high levels of fire safety, while those based on biopolymers are highly favored due to their eco-friendly nature, sustainable characteristics, and abundant availability. This review first outlines the pyrolysis behaviors of biopolymers, with particular emphasis on naturally occurring ones derived from non-food sources such as cellulose, chitin/chitosan, alginate, and lignin. Then, the strategies for chemical modifications of biopolymers for flame-retardant purposes through covalent, ionic, and coordination bonds are presented and compared. The emphasis is placed on advanced methods for introducing biopolymer-based flame retardants into polymeric matrices and fabricating biopolymer-based flame-retardant materials. Finally, the challenges for sustaining the current momentum in the utilization of biopolymers for flame-retardant purposes are further discussed.
Engineered Living Systems Based on Gelatin: Design, Manufacturing, and Applications
This review explores the intersection of gelatin and its derivatives with fabrication techniques, offering a comprehensive examination of their synergistic potentials in creating engineered living systems for various applications in biomedicine, and providing guidance for future research and developments within the field.
Abstract
Engineered living systems (ELSs) represent purpose-driven assemblies of living components, encompassing cells, biomaterials, and active agents, intricately designed to fulfill diverse biomedical applications. Gelatin and its derivatives have been used extensively in ELSs owing to their mature translational pathways, favorable biological properties, and adjustable physicochemical characteristics. This review explores the intersection of gelatin and its derivatives with fabrication techniques, offering a comprehensive examination of their synergistic potential in creating ELSs for various applications in biomedicine. It offers a deep dive into gelatin, including its structures and production, sources, processing, and properties. Additionally, the review explores various fabrication techniques employing gelatin and its derivatives, including generic fabrication techniques, microfluidics, and various 3D printing methods. Furthermore, it discusses the applications of ELSs based on gelatin in regenerative engineering as well as in cell therapies, bioadhesives, biorobots, and biosensors. Future directions and challenges in gelatin fabrication are also examined, highlighting emerging trends and potential areas for improvements and innovations. In summary, this comprehensive review underscores the significance of gelatin-based ELSs in advancing biomedical engineering and lays the groundwork for guiding future research and developments within the field.
Bio‐Based Elastomers: Design, Properties, and Biomedical Applications
This review systematically examines the recent progress of representative bio-based elastomers derived from molecular building blocks and biopolymers, focusing on molecular design, synthesis approaches, mechanical performance, and performance-advantaged properties. Their biomedical applications in wound dressing, cardiovascular, nerve, and bone repair, and biosensors are exemplified. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges associated with bio-based elastomers and outlines potential future directions for their development.
Abstract
To reduce carbon footprint and human dependence on fossil fuels, the field of bio-based polymers has undergone explosive growth in recent years. Among them, bio-based elastomers have gained tremendous attention for their inherent softness, high strain, and resilience. In this review, the recent progress of representative bio-based elastomers derived from molecular building blocks and biopolymers are recapitulated, with an emphasis on molecular design, synthesis approaches, and mechanical performance. The performance-advantaged properties of bio-based elastomers, including immune modulation, biocompatibility, and biodegradability are also explored. Furthermore, their representative biomedical applications in wound dressing, cardiovascular, nerve repair, bone repair, and biosensors are exemplified. Lastly, the challenges and outlooks development of bio-based elastomers are discussed. This review aims to offer readers valuable insights into the potential of bio-based elastomers as viable alternatives to petroleum-based counterparts, supporting the transition toward a more sustainable future.
Biopolymeric Gels: Advancements in Sustainable Multifunctional Materials
Focusing on global sustainability, biopolymeric gels are gaining attention for eco-friendly advantages over synthetic gels—renewable raw materials, energy-efficient fabrication, and superior biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review highlights recent advancements in biopolymeric gels, including biopolymeric building blocks and intrinsic properties, gelation and processing strategies, and sustainable applications in energy storage, water management, thermal management, and bioelectronics.
Abstract
With the growing emphasis on building a global sustainable community, biopolymeric gels have emerged as a promising platform for environmentally friendly and sustainable applications, garnering significant research attention. Compared to conventional synthetic gels, biopolymeric gels offer numerous advantages, including abundant and renewable raw materials, energy-efficient and eco-friendly fabrication processes, tunable physicochemical properties, and superior biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in multifunctional biopolymeric gels. It begins by introducing various biopolymeric building blocks and their intrinsic properties across multiple scales. Subsequently, the synthetic strategies for biopolymeric gels are thoroughly discussed, emphasizing versatile gelation strategies, multiple approaches for fabricating gels, diverse processing approaches to achieve tailorable gels with desired functionalities. The sustainable applications of biopolymeric gels are systematically explored, focusing on their roles in energy storage, environmental remediation of water management, thermal management, and bioelectronics. Finally, the review concludes with an outlook on the challenges and opportunities for advancing biopolymeric gels as key materials in the pursuit of sustainability.
Biopolymeric Ionotronics Based on Biodegradable Wool Keratin
The pH-responsive wool keratin serves as the sole biopolymer matrix for the fabrication of high-performance ionotronic devices, without the use of toxic chemicals, complex synthesis, or grafting processes. Furthermore, the innate biodegradability of wool keratin makes it an environmentally friendly option, furthering the advancement of sustainable devices based on natural polymers.
Abstract
The advent of ionotronics has revealed significant potential in flexible transistors, energy harvesting, and unconventional circuits. However, most ionotronic devices, often centered around synthetic polymers, involve complex grafting or synthesis that raise legitimate concerns about their environmental sustainability. Herein, a simple yet versatile approach for developing single-composition ionotronic devices using wool keratin (WK), a biodegradable and pH-responsive natural polymer is presented. By employing facile pH regulation processes, WK molecules with opposing polarities are successfully modified, which are combined to form an ionic heterojunction through entropically driven depletion. This ionic heterojunction functions as an ionic diode, enabling efficient rectification of alternating current signals (with a rectification ratio of up to 199). Furthermore, the application of this biopolymeric ionotronic device is extended to mechanical energy harvesting, self-powered sensing, and ionic logic circuit. The biodegradability and renewability of WK offer a viable alternative to synthetic materials, highlighting its potential for sustainable applications.
The Structure‐Mechanics Relationship of Bamboo‐Epidermis and Inspired Composite Design by Artificial Intelligence
This article investigates the micromechanics of bamboo epidermis, focusing on how anisotropic silica particle distributions enhance toughness. By integrating experimental imaging, 3D printing, and generative AI, the study develops bio-inspired particle-reinforced composites with mechanical properties akin to bamboo. The findings expand design possibilities for composites, offering innovative solutions for applications demanding high toughness and mechanical reliability.
Abstract
Bamboo culm has been widely used in engineering for its high strength, lightweight, and low cost. Its outermost epidermis is a smooth and dense layer that contains cellulose, silica particles, and stomata and acts as a water and mechanical barrier. Recent experimental studies have shown that the layer has a higher mechanical strength than other inside regions. Still, the mechanism is unclear, especially for how the low silica concentration (<10%) can effectively reinforce the layer and prevent the inner fibers from splitting. Here, theoretical analysis is combined with experimental imaging and 3D printing to investigate the effect of the distribution of silica particles on composite mechanics. The anisotropic partial distribution function of silica particles in bamboo skin yields higher toughness (>10%) than randomly distributed particles. A generative artificial intelligence (AI) model inspired by bamboo epidermis is developed to generate particle-reinforced composites. Besides the visual similarity, it is found that the samples by the generative model show failure processes and fracture toughness identical to the actual bamboo epidermis. This work reveals the micromechanics of the bamboo epidermis. It illustrates that generative AI can help design bio-inspired composites of a complex structure that cannot be uniformly represented by a simple building block or optimized around local boundaries. It expands the design space of particle-reinforced composites for enhanced toughness modulus, offering advantages in industries where mechanical reliability is critical.
Moisture‐Dependent Vibrational Dynamics and Phonon Transport in Nanocellulose Materials
Uptake of water in cellulose play an important role in modulating the structure and phonon transport. This study reports how moisture-dependent structural modification relates to the vibrational dynamics and phonon transport and scattering of nanocellulose using inelastic neutron scattering and wide angle X-ray scattering. Phonon transport is controlled by the moisture-induced increase of the coherence length and swelling of the foam walls.
Abstract
Superinsulating nanofibrillar cellulose foams have the potential to replace fossil-based insulating materials, but the development is hampered by the moisture-dependent heat transport and the lack of direct measurements of phonon transport. Here, inelastic neutron scattering is used together with wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small angle neutron scattering to relate the moisture-dependent structural modifications to the vibrational dynamics and phonon transport and scattering of cellulose nanofibrils from wood and tunicate, and wood cellulose nanocrystals (W-CNC). The moisture interacted primarily with the disordered regions in nanocellulose, and WAXS showed that the crystallinity and coherence length increased as the moisture content increased. The phonon population derived from directional-dependent phonon density of states (GDOS) increased along the cellulose chains in W-CNC between 5 and 8 wt% D2O, while the phonon population perpendicular to the chains remained relatively unaffected, suggesting that the effect of increased crystallinity and coherence length on phonon transport is compensated by the moisture-induced swelling of the foam walls. Frequency scaling in the low-energy GDOS showed that materials based on hygroscopic and semicrystalline nanocellulose falls in between the predicted behavior for solids and liquids. Phonon-engineering of hygroscopic biopolymer-based insulation materials is promoted by the insights on the moisture-dependent phonon transport.
Molecularly Functionalized Biomass Hydrogels for Sustainable Atmospheric Water Harvesting
A generalizable molecular engineering methodology is developed to transform diverse biomass feedstocks, such as cellulose, starch, and chitosan, into efficient hydrogel sorbents for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH). Outdoor tests reveal a water production rate of up to 14.19 kg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, demonstrating significant potential for sustainable water solutions. This approach advances scalable AWH technologies by leveraging abundant, environmentally friendly resources.
Abstract
Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) offers a promising pathway to alleviate global water scarcity, highlighting the need for environmentally responsible sorbent materials. In this context, this research introduces a universal strategy for transforming natural polysaccharides into effective hydrogel sorbents, demonstrated with cellulose, starch, and chitosan. The methodology unites alkylation to graft thermoresponsive groups, thereby enhancing water processability and enabling energy-efficient water release at lower temperatures, with the integration of zwitterionic groups to ensure stable and effective water sorption. The molecularly functionalized cellulose hydrogel, exemplifying our approach, shows favorable water uptake of 0.86–1.32 g g−1 at 15–30% relative humidity (RH), along with efficient desorption, releasing 95% of captured water at 60 °C. Outdoor tests highlight the water production rate of up to 14.19 kg kg−1 day−1 by electrical heating. The proposed molecular engineering methodology, which expands the range of raw materials by leveraging abundant biomass feedstock, has the potential to advance sorbent production and scalable AWH technologies, contributing to sustainable solutions.
Sustainable Silk Fibroin Ionic Touch Screens for Flexible Biodegradable Electronics with Integrated AI and IoT Functionality
A silk fibroin ionic touchscreen platform with high elasticity, high environmental tolerance, and biodegradability, is introduced for sustainable flexible electronics. This study showcases the platform's environmental stability, reusability, and advanced applications in IoT and AI-enhanced interfaces, such as real-time touch sensing, handwriting recognition, and virtual reality, paving the way for greener next-generation devices.
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of electronic devices has led to a significant rise in electronic waste (e-waste), necessitating the development of sustainable materials for flexible electronics. In this study, silk fibroin ionic touch screen (SFITS) is introduced, a new platform integrating natural silk fibroin (SF) with ionic conductors to create highly elastic, environmentally stable, and multifunctional touch interfaces. Through a humidity-induced crystallization strategy, the molecular structure of SF is precisely controlled to achieve a balanced combination of mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and biodegradability. The assembly and operational reliability of SFITS are demonstrated under various environmental conditions, along with their reusability through green recycling methods. Additionally, the intelligent design and application of SFITS are explored by incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This integration enables real-time touch sensing, handwriting recognition, and advanced human-computer interactions. The versatility of SFITS is further exemplified through applications in remote control systems, molecular model generation, and virtual reality interfaces. The findings highlight the potential of sustainable ionic conductors in next-generation flexible electronics, offering a path toward greener and more intelligent device designs.
Cell‐Shearing Chemistry Directed Closed‐Pore Regeneration in Biomass‐Derived Hard Carbons for Ultrafast Sodium Storage
This work introduces an innovative DES cell-shearing strategy to tailor the closed-pore structure in bamboo-derived hard carbons. The optimized structure with appropriate closed-pore size (∼2nm) and ultra-thin (1–3 layers) walls exhibits abundant active sites and delivers rapid ion diffusion kinetics and high reaction reversibility. This work significantly advances the applications of biomass materials for energy storage.
Abstract
The closed-pore structure of hard carbons holds the key to high plateau capacity and rapid diffusion kinetics when applied as sodium-ion battery (SIB) anodes. However, understanding and establishing the structure-electrochemistry relationship still remains a significant challenge. This work, for the first time, introduces an innovative deep eutectic solvent (DES) cell-shearing strategy to precisely tailor the cell structure of natural bamboo and consequently the closed-pore in its derived hard carbons. The DES shearing force effectively modifies the pore architecture by simultaneously shearing and dissolving amorphous components to form closed pore cores with adjustable sizes, as well as disintegrating crystalline cellulose through generation of competing hydrogen bonds to elaborately tune the pore wall thickness and ordering. The optimized closed-pore structure featuring appropriate pore size (∼2 nm) and ultra-thin (1–3 layers) disordered pore walls, exhibits abundant active sites and delivers rapid ion diffusion kinetics and high reaction reversibility. Consequently, a high reversible capacity of 422 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1 along with an exceptional rate capability (318.6 mAh g−1 at 6 A g−1) are achieved, outperforming almost all previous reported hard carbons. The new concept of cell-shearing chemistry for closed-pore regeneration significantly advances the applications of biomass materials for energy storage.