Fibers have played a critical role in the long history of human development. They are the basic building blocks of textiles. Synthetic fibers not only make clothes stronger and more durable, but are also customizable and cheaper. The growth of miniature and wearable electronics has promoted the development of smart and multifunctional fibers. Particularly, the incorporation of functional semiconductors and electroactive materials in fibers has opened up the field of fiber electronics. The energy supply system is the key branch for fiber electronics. Herein, after a brief introduction on the history of smart and functional fibers, we review the current state of advanced functional fibers for their application in energy conversion and storage, focusing on nanogenerators, solar cells, supercapacitors and batteries. Subsequently, the importance of the integration of fiber-shaped energy conversion and storage devices via smart structure design is discussed. Finally, the challenges and future direction in this field are highlighted. Through this review, we hope to inspire scientists with different research backgrounds to enter this multi-disciplinary field to promote its prosperity and development and usher in a truly new era of smart fibers.

Smart fibers for energy conversion and storage

Differential collecting performance of a new complex of decyloxy-propyl-amine and α-bromododecanoic acid on flotation of spodumene and feldspar

Lignin-based carbon fibers: Formation, modification and potential applications

Abstract Developing novel techniques to convert lignin into sustainable chemicals and functional materials is a critical route toward the high-value utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. Lignin-derived carbon materials hold great promise for applications in energy and chemical engineering, catalysis and environmental remediation. In this review, the state-of-art sciences and technologies for controllable synthesis of lignin-derived carbon materials are summarized, pore structure engineering, crystalline engineering, and morphology controlling methodologies are thoroughly outlined and critically discussed. Green chemical engineering with cost-effectiveness and precise carbonization tuning microstructure are future research trends of lignin-derived carbon materials. Future research directions that could be employed to advance lignin-derived carbon materials toward commercial applications are then proposed. 

/pdf/lignin-derived-carbon-materials-current-status-and-future-rv2fmier.pdf

Mugaanire Tendo Innocent

Papers

Lignin-based carbon fibers: Formation, modification and potential applications

Nano-hybridized form-stable ester@F-SiO2 phase change materials for melt-spun PA6 fibers engineered towards smart thermal management fabrics

Strong, high stretchable and ultrasensitive SEBS/CNTs hybrid fiber for high-performance strain sensor

Polyethylene glycol infused acid-etched halloysite nanotubes for melt-spun polyamide-based composite phase change fibers

Molecular Weight Discrete Distribution-Induced Orientation of High-Strength Copolyamide Fibers: Effects of Component Proportion and Molecular Weight