Electrospinning Machine | Bioinspired Architecture of Ultra-strong Yet Tough Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposites via Orientational Reinforcement with Cellulose Nanocrystals

Challenge: Porous membranes with high strength and toughness are in high demand for energy storage, flexible electronics, and biomedical applications. However, balancing mechanical properties and controlling pore structure remains challenging.
Method: Academician Wu Yiqiang and Professor Qing Yan from Central South University of Forestry and Technology adopted a bioinspired strategy, using modified electrospinning technology to manufacture robust and tough cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite nanofibers.
Innovation 1: By adjusting CNC content and nanofiber orientation, the obtained CNC/PVA composite nanofiber-based films exhibit excellent specific strength (156.8 MPa g−1 cm−3), high toughness (27.3 MJ m−2), and tunable porosity (68-90%). These films demonstrate excellent thermal stability, enhanced electrolyte wettability, and good pore structure control, making them effective lithium-ion battery separators for suppressing lithium dendrite growth.
Innovation 2: Compared to traditional plastic films (such as polypropylene, polyethylene), CNC/PVA nanofiber films have a lower carbon footprint and inherent biodegradability.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42765-025-00606-w