High dielectric energy storage properties of chitin matrix composites regulated by SiO₂

High-performance polymer-based dielectric materials have attracted much attention in the field of energy storage due to high breakdown field strength and low cost. However, partial polymer-based materials are derived from traditional fossil energy derivatives, which are characterized by non-renewable and low dielectric constants, which are not conducive to the improvement of energy storage. In this paper, dissolved chitin through alkali/urea system is composited with SiO₂ prepared by electrostatic spinning. The maximum discharge energy density of the fiber composite film reaches 4.34 J cm^-3, which is 1.6 times higher than that of the micron particle composite film (2.8 J cm^-3) and 1.9 times higher than that of the pure chitin film. The high aspect ratio and low concentration of silica filler effectively improved the breakdown field strength. In addition, the thermal stability was improved. This study paves the way for the application of bio-based materials in high-performance dielectrics.