A designed multiscale hierarchical assembly process to produce artificial nacre-like freestanding hybrid films with tunable optical properties

摘要

In this work, we propose a multiscale hierarchical assembly process to realize the nacre-like layered structural arrangement of functional nanoparticles in a polymer matrix aiming to simultaneously achieve tensile strength enhancement and tunable optical properties in the hybrid materials. Through the designed fabrication route, functional nanoparticles (NPs) were firstly attached onto the surface of brick-like silicate-1 zeolite microcrystals as functional building blocks. Then, NP-zeolite functional microbricks were feasibly assembled with polyvinylalcohol (PVA) to form layered, functional hybrid films. Finally, a 50-100% tensile stress enhancement in the hybrid film is observed when compared to that of pure PVA film. Beside the tensile strength enhancement, the optical properties of the hybrid film can also be tuned by the incorporation of different functional nanoparticles. Our fabrication approach is an example of an alternative strategy to prepare strong hybrid materials with flexible tailoring of functionalities.