Core-shell design for nanocellulosic aerogels by bioinspired spider web-like structure

Inspired by the ultra-lightweight and strong cross-linked spider web, a core–shell design is proposed for fabricating isotropic polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) rigid-reinforced nanofibers (polypyrrole-coated bacterial cellulose (PPy@BC) and bacterial cellulose (BC)) aerogels via non-directional freeze-drying. As-developed aerogels (PMPBB aerogels) exhibit isotropic properties of compressibility and recoverability, hydrophobicity, low thermal conductivity, and electric conductivity. Benefiting from above characteristics, PMPBB aerogels possess remarkable capacities of oil/organic solvent–water separation, self-cleaning, thermal insulation, and real-time monitoring of human motion signals. The combination of core–shell design with non-directional freeze-drying method offers a valuable reference for seeking innovative methods to develop other advanced aerogels.