Recent Advances in Flexible CNC‐Based Chiral Nematic Film Materials

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a renewable resource derived from lignocellulosic materials, known for its optical permeability, biocompatibility, and unique self‐assembly properties. Recent years have seen great progresses in cellulose nanocrystal‐based chiral photonic materials. However, due to its inherent brittleness, cellulose nanocrystal shows limitations in the fields of flexible materials, optical sensors and food freshness testing. In order to solve the above limitations, attempts have been made to improve the flexibility of cellulose nanocrystal materials without destroying their structural color. Despite these progresses, a systematic review on them is lacking. This review aims to fill this gap by providing an overview of the main strategies and the latest research findings on the flexibilization of cellulose nanocrystal‐based chiral nematic film materials (FCNM). Specifically, typical substances and methods used for their preparation are summarized. Moreover, different kinds of cellulose nanocrystal‐based composites are compared in terms of flexibility. Finally, potential applications and future challenges of flexible cellulose nanocrystal‐based chiral nematic materials are discussed, inspiring further research in this field.

Rigidity with Flexibility: Porous Triptycene Networks for Enhancing Methane Storage

“…According to the European Union Commission report stated in 2004, transportation was one of the main sectors contributing to energy consumption and depletion, of which harmful emissions resulted in global warming, climatic deterioration, and air pollution. As a response to these environmental challenges, there has been a growing interest in using natural gas, primarily composed of methane (>95%), as a cleaner alternative to conventional energy sources like oil-derived products [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. However, a critical hurdle in realizing the potential of natural gas (NG) as a clean fuel lies in the efficient storage of methane, particularly for applications in transportation [ 4 ].…”