Method for growing zinc-catecholate frameworks on bio-fibers and their electronic applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growth of conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on bio-fibers is challenging due to the non-planar nature of bio-fibers, which leads to instability and non-uniformity of the MOF films, limiting their application in flexible and wearable electronics.
Innovation Solution
A facile heteroepitaxial method is developed to grow conductive zinc-catecholate frameworks on bio-fibers using a conductive layer and well-aligned zinc oxide nanoarrays, followed by a low-temperature hydrothermal method to form hierarchical MOF structures with biomimetic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional solution reaction method is used to grow MOFs on bio-fibers, then the MOF films can be formed, but the non-planar nature of bio-fibers leads to non-uniformity and instability of the MOF films
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first introducing a conductive layer on the surface of polysaccharide bio-fibers, and then constructing well-aligned zinc oxide nanoarrays by physiological coagulation mechanism before the final MOF growth. This preliminary structuring of the substrate provides a uniform template that guides subsequent MOF formation, ensuring uniformity and stability despite the non-planar nature of bio-fibers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs local quality by creating well-aligned zinc oxide nanoarrays with specific orientation and distribution on the bio-fiber surface. This localized structuring provides different regions with distinct functions: the conductive layer provides electrical conductivity, the zinc oxide nanoarrays provide structural alignment and serve as sacrifice templates, and together they enable uniform MOF growth in specific orientations
2Manufacturing precision
If high temperature annealing treatment is used to prepare MOF films, then the MOF structure can be formed, but the bio-fibers are damaged due to their sensitivity to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by conducting the hydrothermal synthesis at low temperature (below the thermal degradation point of polysaccharide bio-fibers). This temperature parameter change allows the MOF structure to form through controlled hydrothermal reactions without subjecting the temperature-sensitive bio-fibers to high temperature annealing, thus preserving fiber integrity while achieving crystalline MOF formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses zinc oxide nanoarrays as an intermediary template that mediates the formation of crystalline MOF structures at low temperatures. The zinc oxide nanoarrays serve as sacrifice templates that guide the orientation and structure of the growing MOF crystals during hydrothermal treatment, enabling proper crystal formation without requiring high temperature annealing that would damage the bio-fibers
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional rigid substrates are used for MOF growth, then the MOF films can be grown uniformly, but the flexibility and wearable applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by growing MOF structures on flexible polysaccharide bio-fibers rather than rigid substrates. The bio-fibers serve as flexible supports that maintain their flexibility even after MOF deposition, enabling the resulting fibrous electronics to be bent and conform to various shapes, thus achieving both uniform MOF growth and flexibility for wearable applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using polysaccharide bio-fibers that serve multiple functions: they provide a flexible substrate for growth, offer biocompatibility, enable environmental friendliness, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functional substrate allows the MOF-based devices to be applied in both flexible electronics and wearable devices, expanding the versatility beyond rigid substrate limitations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves stable and uniform MOF growth on bio-fibers, enhancing interfacial charge transfer and resulting in materials with high photoelectric and gas-sensing performance, along with improved stability, environmental friendliness, and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive layer was first introduced on the surface of polysaccharide bio-fibers
Implementation Method 2
well-aligned zinc oxide nanoarrays was densely constructed on the bio-fibers by physiological coagulation mechanism
Implementation Method 3
zinc-catecholate frameworks with hierarchical structure were prepared by low-temperature hydrothermal method
Implementation Method 4
conductive zinc-catecholate frameworks on bio-fibers
Implementation Method 5
amplification effect of in-situ formed heterojunctions, promoted interfacial charge transfer is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a facile heteroepitaxial method for growing conductive zinc-catecholate frameworks on bio-fibers with biomimetic connections, which is beneficial to fabricate biocompatible and high-performance photodetectors and chemiresistors, and the corresponding bio-fiber based metal-organic framework. In this method, a conductive layer is first introduced on the surface of polysaccharide bio-fibers, before well-aligned zinc oxide nanoarrays were densely constructed on the bio-fibers by a physiological coagulation mechanism. The obtained fibrous materials may be used in devices, including in electronic components, having the advantages of good stability, environmental-friendly, flame retardancy, and high response.