Nacre-inspired biodegradable nanocellulose/MXene/AgNPs films with high strength and superior gas barrier properties

Super strength and high barrier properties are the bottleneck of the application of cellulose film materials. Herein, it is reported a flexible gas barrier film with nacre-like layered structure, in which 1D TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose (TNF) and 2D MXene self-assembled to form an interwoven stack structure with 0D AgNPs filling the void space. The strong interaction and dense structure endowed TNF/MX/AgNPs film with mechanical properties far superior to PE films and acid-base stability. Importantly, the film presented ultra-low oxygen permeability confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations and better barrier properties to volatile organic gases than PE films. It is here considered the tortuous path diffusion mechanism of the composite film responsible for the enhanced gas barrier performance. The TNF/MX/AgNPs film also possessed antibacterial properties, biocompatibility and degradability (completely degraded after 150 days in soil). Collectively, the TNF/MX/ AgNPs film brings innovative insights into the design and fabrication of high-performance materials.

Automated summary

In this study, a flexible gas barrier film with a nacre-like layered structure was developed. The film exhibited superior mechanical properties, acid-base stability, and barrier properties to gases and volatile organic compounds. It also possessed antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and degradability.