Bi2O3/Gd2O3 Meta-Aerogel with Leaf-Inspired Nanotrap Array Enables Efficient X-Ray Absorption

The increasing utilization of X-rays has generated a growing need for efficient shielding materials. However, the existing Pb-based materials suffer from a narrow X-ray absorbing range, high weight, and rigidity. Inspired by the natural leaf, which can efficiently absorb light through chlorophyll and carotenoids in confined cells, we engineer ultralight and superelastic nanofibrous Bi₂O₃/Gd₂O₃ meta-aerogels (BGAs) with X-ray nanotrap arrays by manipulating the 3D confined assembly of 1D Bi₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃ nanofibers. The BGAs can synergistically absorb X-ray photons from complementary energy ranges into the nanotraps and induce cyclic collisions with Bi₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃ nanofibers, maximizing the effective X-ray attenuation. The meta-aerogel exhibits the integrated performance of efficient X-ray shielding efficiency (60-83%, 16-90 keV), ultralow density (10 mg cm^-3), and superelasticity. The production of these meta-aerogels presents an avenue for the development of next-generation X-ray protective materials and the resolution of X-ray imaging systems.