Tough and conductive bio-based artificial nacre via synergistic effect between water-soluble cellulose acetate and graphene

Inspired by the hierarchical structure of natural nacre, a binary artificial nacre with excellent mechanical performance, tensile strength and toughness was successfully constructed based on water-soluble cellulose acetate (WSCA) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The tensile strength and toughness of the hybrid films were markedly improved by the introduction of rGO, and the tensile strength and toughness of the rGO/WSCA composite films reached 499.3 MPa and 9.6 MJ/m3 (rGO-WSCA-III), respectively, which are approximately 5.0 and 5.3 times that of natural nacre. In addition, the hybrid rGO/WSCA films showed better flame retardancy and stability in water, and high electrical conductivity. In this study, we provide a strategy to design and fabricate exceptionally strong and tough artificial nacre, which has potential application in tissue engineering and as a humidity sensor.