Ice-Templating Derived High-Performance Layered Bulk Polymer Nanocomposites

Inspired by nacre's hierarchical "brick-and-mortar" architecture, ice templating has emerged as a frontier technique for fabricating layered bulk polymer nanocomposites. This review systematically explores the innovative theories and technological advancements in the fabrication of layered bulk polymer nanocomposites via ice templating from a structure-property-application perspective. First, it focus on elucidating three core construction strategies enabled by ice templating: lamellar scaffold infiltration with polymers, hot-pressing, and mineralization. Through comparative analysis, the applicable scale ranges and performance optimization mechanisms of these strategies are revealed. Second, it systematically analyze the regulation of mechanical properties by structures of the layered scaffold, with particular emphasis on the critical role of nanofiller-polymer interfacial interactions in energy dissipation mechanisms. Furthermore, it investigates the groundbreaking applications in emerging fields such as thermal management, electromagnetic interference shielding, and self-monitoring. Finally, to address current challenges such as the difficulty in controlling interlayer defects and the lack of dynamic interface design, this study proposes solutions including multi-physical field coupling fabrication and dynamic interface reconstruction. This work not only deepens the scientific understanding of the mechanisms underlying ice-templating, but also provides theoretical foundations and technical roadmap references for the future design and preparation of high-performance bulk layered polymer nanocomposites.