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19 Mar 17:57

A supramolecular biomimetic skin combining a wide spectrum of mechanical properties and multiple sensory capabilities

by Zhouyue Lei

A supramolecular biomimetic skin combining a wide spectrum of mechanical properties and multiple sensory capabilities

A supramolecular biomimetic skin combining a wide spectrum of mechanical properties and multiple sensory capabilities, Published online: 19 March 2018; doi:10.1038/s41467-018-03456-w

Biomimetic skin finds wide application in robotics and smart wearable devices but materials mimicking mechanical properties of skin and responding at the same time to multiple stimuli are rarely realized. Here the authors demonstrate a biomimetic hydrogel with multiple sensory capabilities which imitates mechanical properties of natural skin.
10 Apr 14:10

Functional porous carbon nanospheres from sustainable precursors for high performance supercapacitors

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5,16263-16272
DOI: 10.1039/C7TA01951C, Paper
Girum Ayalneh Tiruye, David Munoz-Torrero, Thomas Berthold, Jesus Palma, Markus Antonietti, Nina Fechler, Rebeca Marcilla
Functional porous carbon nanospheres synthesized from cheap and sustainable precursors exhibited excellent properties as electrodes for supercapacitors.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
11 Dec 16:44

Nature-Inspired Electrochemical Energy-Storage Materials and Devices

by Hua Wang, Yun Yang, Lin Guo

Currently, tremendous efforts are being devoted to develop high-performance electrochemical energy-storage materials and devices. Conventional electrochemical energy-storage systems are confronted with great challenges to achieve high energy density, long cycle-life, excellent biocompatibility and environmental friendliness. The biological energy metabolism and storage systems have appealing merits of high efficiency, sophisticated regulation, clean and renewability, and the rational design and fabrication of advanced electrochemical energy-storage materials and smart devices inspired by nature have made some breakthrough progresses, recently. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in the field of nature-inspired electrochemical energy-storage materials and devices. Specifically, the nature-inspired exploration, preparation and modification of electrochemical energy-storage related materials including the active materials, binders, and separators are introduced. Furthermore, nature-inspired design and fabrication of smart energy-storage devices such as self-healing supercapacitors, supercapacitors with ultrahigh operating voltage, and self-rechargeable batteries are also discussed. The review aims to provide insights and expanded research perspectives for further study in this exciting field based on our comprehensive discussions.

Thumbnail image of graphical abstract

Recent progress of nature-inspired electrochemical energy-storage materials and devices are summarized. Exploration, preparation and modification of energy-storage related materials including the active materials, binders and separators by taking inspirations from nature are introduced, and some interesting energy-storage devices with add-on biomimetic features are also discussed. Prospects and further developments in this exciting field are suggested.