Honeycomb‐Inspired Robust Hygroscopic Nanofibrous Cellular Networks. Issue 11 (10th October 2021) - Zhang, Yufei
Abstract: Mimicking nature is a highly efficient and meaningful way for designing functional materials. However, constructing bioinspired nanofibrous 3D cellular networks with robust mechanical features is extremely challenging. Herein, a biomimetic, super‐flexible, highly elastic, and tough nanofibrous membrane (NFM)‐based water harvester is reported with a highly ordered honeycomb‐inspired gradient network structure, self‐assembled from electrospun spider‐silk‐like humped nanofibers. The resultant NFM exhibits super flexibility, high tensile strength (2.9 MPa), superior elasticity, and decent toughness (3.39 MJ m −3 ), allowing it to be used as the framework of hygroscopic materials. The resulting hygroscopic NFM displays excellent moisture absorption performance, which can be used as an efficient water harvester with a superhigh equilibrium moisture absorption capacity of 4.60 g g −1 at 95% relative humidity for 96 h, fast moisture absorption and transport rates, and long‐term durability, achieving directional transport and collection of tiny water droplets. This work paves the way for the design and development of multifunctional NFMs with a honeycomb‐inspired gradient network structure. Abstract : A super‐flexible, highly elastic, and tough nanofibrous membrane‐based water harvester with a highly ordered honeycomb‐inspired gradient network structure is successfully constructed. The water harvester, coupled with horizontal rapid spreading and vertical gradient wetting of droplets, exhibits an excellent moisture absorption and water harvesting performance which is effective in directionally transporting and collecting tiny water droplets with an enhanced water transport rate.