Oral
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
Tannic acid (TA), one of hydrolysable vegetable tannins, has been utilized to create wet-white tanning systems exhibiting enhanced synergistic effects with two-dimensional nanomaterials. Here, we present an effective strategy for structural stabilization of collagen fibers by dual-functionalized zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets (ZrP NPs) to achieve a TA based wet-white tanning system for the production of multifunctional eco-leather. By examining the influence of ZrP NPs and final pH value on tanning efficiency, we established a wet-white tanning system based on 10 wt.% TA and 3 wt.% ZrP NPs at final pH 3.5. Hydrogen-bonding and electrostatic interactions between the ZrP NPs and collagen fibers stabilized the collagen fibers, enabling hierarchical incorporations of ZrP NPs with the leather matrix. Moreover, we propose a mixed-dimensional materials design tactic enabled by polyphenol-mediated interface architecture to fabricate multifunctional wet-white leather-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENGs) toward energy harvesting and flexible wearable electronics. The incorporation of α-zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets into the collagen fiber matrix with the aid of natural Tara tannins-mediated robust interfaces endows the TENGs with excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, water vapor permeability, and flame retardancy. Furthermore, MXene ink is directly introduced into the collagen fiber matrix to enhance output charge density and sensing performance, enabling the TENGs to harvest ambient mechanical energy. Equally important, the as-prepared TENGs serve as self-powered flexible sensors for energy harvesting, human motion monitoring, and distress signaling. This work not only provides deeper insights into the design of multifunctional biomass-based TENGs but also highlights the critical role of multidimensional nanomaterial integration in advancing flexible electronics.