Strong, Lightweight, and Shape‐Memory Bamboo‐Derived All‐Cellulose Aerogels for Versatile Scaffolds of Sustainable Multifunctional Materials

Abstract

AbstractStrong, lightweight, and shape‐memory cellulose aerogels have great potential in multifunctional applications. However, achieving the integration of these features into a cellulose aerogel without harsh chemical modifications and the addition of mechanical enhancers remains challenging. In this study, a strong, lightweight, and water‐stimulated shape‐memory all‐cellulose aerogel (ACA) is created using a combination strategy of partial dissolution and unidirectional freezing from bamboo. Benefiting from the firm architecture of cellulose microfibers bridging cellulose nanofibers /regenerated cellulose aggregated layers and the bonding of different cellulose crystal components (cellulose Iβ and cellulose II), the ACA, with low density (60.74 mg cm−3), possesses high compressive modulus (radial section: 1.2 MPa, axial section: 0.96 MPa). Additionally, when stimulated with water, the ACA exhibits excellent shape‐memory features, including highly reversible compression‐resilience and instantaneous fold‐expansion behaviors. As a versatile scaffold, ACA can be integrated with hydroxyapatite, carboxyl carbon nanotubes, and LiCl, respectively, via a simple impregnation method to yield functionalized cellulose composites for applications in thermal insulation, electromagnetic interference shielding, and piezoresistive sensors. This study provides inspiration and a reliable strategy for the elaborately structural design of functional cellulose aerogels endows application prospects in various multifunction opportunities.