Kai Zhao

Bio: Kai Zhao is an academic researcher from South China University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ionic conductivity & Ionic liquid. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 6 citations.

Facile Preparation of Highly Transparent Conducting Nanopaper with Electrical Robustness

Abstract: Nanocellulose paper-based transparent conducting material, an important primary component of future green electronics, has been considered one of the most exciting and salient materials in next-gen...

A very mechanically strong and stretchable liquid-free double-network ionic conductor

Abstract: Liquid-free ionic conductors are very desirable for flexible electronics, because hydrogels and ionic liquid-based ionogels suffer from water evaporation and ionic liquid leakage, respectively. However, the development of liquid-free ionic conductors with both high mechanical strength and stretchability remains challenging. In this work, based on the design concept of a double-network, we first report a series of very mechanically strong and tough liquid-free double-network ionic conductors (LFDNICs), consisting entirely of 1st stretchable poly(AA–ChCl) type supramolecular deep eutectic polymer networks and 2nd brittle polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) networks. One of these LFDNICs shows outstanding mechanical performance, with tensile strength, strain at break, and toughness up to 71.3 MPa, 671%, and 268 MJ m−3, respectively. In particular, the LFDNIC can endure puncture and successfully elevate a 10 kg weight (12 500 times its own weight). In addition, the LFDNIC also exhibits promising ionic conductivity (3.1 × 10−4 S m−1), favorable biocompatibility (cell viability up to 97.5%), optimum self-healing properties (electrical healing efficiency of 98% within 0.30 s), and adequate transparency (92% in the visible range). Due to their practical features and exceedingly simple preparation process, we believe that LFDNICs will not only provide an innovative prospect for the development of mechanically-strong ionic conductors, but can also be further researched and used in the fields of advanced sensors and flexible electronic devices.

Optically transparent composites reinforced with plant fiber-based nanofibers(ABSTRACTS (MASTER THESIS FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE))

Abstract: The fibrillation of pulp fiber was attempted by two methods, a high-pressure homogenizer treatment and a grinder treatment. The grinder treatment resulted in the successful fibrillation of wood pulp fibers into nanofibers. The nanofibers demonstrate promising characteristics as reinforcement material for optically transparent composites. Due to the size effect, the nanofiber-reinforced composite retains the transparency of the matrix resin even at high fiber content such as 70 wt %. Since the nanofiber is an aggregate of semi-crystalline extended cellulose chains, its addition also contributes to a significant improvement in the thermal expansion properties of plastics while maintaining its ease of bending. Cellulose nanofibers have tremendous potential as a future resource since they are produced in a sustainable manner by plants, one of the most abundant organic resources on earth.

Eutectics: formation, properties, and applications

Abstract: Various eutectic systems have been proposed and studied over the past few decades. Most of the studies have focused on three typical types of eutectics: eutectic metals, eutectic salts, and deep eutectic solvents. On the one hand, they are all eutectic systems, and their eutectic principle is the same. On the other hand, they are representative of metals, inorganic salts, and organic substances, respectively. They have applications in almost all fields related to chemistry. Their different but overlapping applications stem from their very different properties. In addition, the proposal of new eutectic systems has greatly boosted the development of cross-field research involving chemistry, materials, engineering, and energy. The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of these typical eutectics and describe task-specific strategies to address growing demands.

Cellulose Nanopaper: Fabrication, Functionalization, and Applications

Abstract: Cellulose nanopaper has shown great potential in diverse fields including optoelectronic devices, food packaging, biomedical application, and so forth, owing to their various advantages such as good flexibility, tunable light transmittance, high thermal stability, low thermal expansion coefficient, and superior mechanical properties. Herein, recent progress on the fabrication and applications of cellulose nanopaper is summarized and discussed based on the analyses of the latest studies. We begin with a brief introduction of the three types of nanocellulose: cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils and bacterial cellulose, recapitulating their differences in preparation and properties. Then, the main preparation methods of cellulose nanopaper including filtration method and casting method as well as the newly developed technology are systematically elaborated and compared. Furthermore, the advanced applications of cellulose nanopaper including energy storage, electronic devices, water treatment, and high-performance packaging materials were highlighted. Finally, the prospects and ongoing challenges of cellulose nanopaper were summarized.

Cellulose Nanopaper: Fabrication, Functionalization, and Applications

Abstract: Cellulose nanopaper has shown great potential in diverse fields including optoelectronic devices, food packaging, biomedical application, and so forth, owing to their various advantages such as good flexibility, tunable light transmittance, high thermal stability, low thermal expansion coefficient, and superior mechanical properties. Herein, recent progress on the fabrication and applications of cellulose nanopaper is summarized and discussed based on the analyses of the latest studies. We begin with a brief introduction of the three types of nanocellulose: cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils and bacterial cellulose, recapitulating their differences in preparation and properties. Then, the main preparation methods of cellulose nanopaper including filtration method and casting method as well as the newly developed technology are systematically elaborated and compared. Furthermore, the advanced applications of cellulose nanopaper including energy storage, electronic devices, water treatment, and high-performance packaging materials were highlighted. Finally, the prospects and ongoing challenges of cellulose nanopaper were summarized.

Current State of Applications of Nanocellulose in Flexible Energy and Electronic Devices

Abstract: Novel and unique applications of nanocellulose are largely driven by the functional attributes governed by its structural and physicochemical features including excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. In recent years, thousands of groundbreaking works have helped in the development of targeted functional nanocellulose for conductive, optical, luminescent materials, and other applications. The growing demand for sustainable and renewable materials has led to the rapid development of greener methods for the design and fabrication of high-performance green nanomaterials with multiple features, and consequently new challenges and opportunities. The present review article discusses historical developments, various fabrication and functionalization methods, the current stage, and the prospects of flexible energy and hybrid electronics based on nanocellulose.