Facile production of natural silk nanofibers for electronic device applications

Natural silk nanofibers (SNFs) have been attracted more attentions in flexible functional devices and biomaterials. However, its mass production and complex fabrication process remains challenging. In this study, we successfully developed a new physical-chemical strategy to fabricate natural SNFs with high yield (similar to 87%). The natural SNFs performed an excellent dispersion in aqueous solution with uniform diameter (approximately 280 nm) and 10-30 mu m length. The high-flexible natural SNFs/single-wall carbon nanotube (CNTs) composite films were prepared to evaluate their potential in electronic devices. The composite films exhibited remarkable dimensional stability, chemical durability, and Young's modulus (498.7 +/- 64.4 MPa). Furtherly, the composite films also presented excellent electrical heating properties and potential utilities in electronics. These natural SNFs/CNTs composite films with high-mechanical and electrical features offer new starting materials for bio-electronics devices applications, such as conductive wire, electronical heater, and capacitor.