Nanofibrillar networks enable universal assembly of superstructured particle constructs

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Colloid Science

Background:

• Superstructured colloidal materials offer enhanced functions through component synergy.
• Achieving robust cohesion for scaling up colloidal assemblies into bulk materials remains a challenge, often requiring case-specific solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate that cellulose nanofibril (CNF) nanonetwork topology enables robust superstructuring with diverse particles.
• To investigate the mechanism and extent of supramolecular cohesion transfer from CNFs to particle-based constructs.

Main Methods:

• Formation of intermixed nanonetworks using cellulose nanofibrils and various particles.
• Quantification of the mechanical toughness of the resulting superstructured assemblies.
• Analysis of supramolecular cohesion transfer across different particle sizes.

Main Results:

• CNF nanonetworks provide robust superstructuring capabilities for a wide range of particle types.
• The toughness of CNF-based assemblies is enhanced by up to three orders of magnitude compared to methods like sintering.
• Supramolecular cohesion transfer follows a power law, with a consistent decay factor across particle sizes from 230 nm to 40 μm.

Conclusions:

• The topological properties of CNF nanonetworks are key to achieving strong, versatile colloidal superstructures.
• The findings provide a scalable approach for enhancing material toughness and enable the transition from laboratory-scale development to industrial nanomanufacturing.
• This CNF-based cohesion strategy is adaptable to other nanofiber dimensions and particle morphologies.