Honeycomb-Inspired Robust Hygroscopic Nanofibrous Cellular Networks

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.

Automated summary

This work presents a biomimetic nanofibrous membrane water harvester with a highly ordered honeycomb structure, featuring super flexibility, high tensile strength, superior elasticity, and excellent moisture absorption performance for efficient water collection.