Toward Versatile Transient Electronics: Electrospun Biocompatible Silk Fibroin/Carbon Quantum Dot-Based Green-Emission, Water-Soluble Piezoelectric Nanofibers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Wearable electronics demand eco-friendly, transient materials to minimize environmental impact and enhance data security.
• Current transient electronic materials often require degradation via chemical solvents or body fluids, posing limitations.
• Developing biodegradable and biocompatible materials is crucial for sustainable electronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel, green luminescent, water-soluble, and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofibers.
• To enhance the piezoelectric performance of silk fibroin-based materials using green carbon quantum dots (G-CQDs).
• To explore the potential of these nanofibers as self-powered sensors for wearable applications.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of green carbon quantum dots (G-CQDs), mulberry silk fibroin (SF), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to create hybrid nanofibers.
• Characterization of the piezoelectric and photoluminescent properties of the developed G-CQD/PVA/SF fibers.
• Fabrication and testing of a nanogenerator device for sensing athletic motion during rope skipping.

Main Results:

• The G-CQD/PVA/SF nanofibers exhibited significantly enhanced piezoelectric output compared to PVA/SF fibers, over three times higher.
• The hybrid fibers retained the photoluminescent properties of G-CQDs while maintaining excellent biocompatibility.
• A wearable nanogenerator demonstrated effective real-time sensing of athletic motions, showcasing portability, flexibility, and stable piezoresponse.

Conclusions:

• The developed G-CQD/PVA/SF nanofibers represent a promising class of water-disposable, piezo/photoactive biological materials.
• These materials are suitable building blocks for next-generation transient, wearable, and implantable electronic devices.
• The study highlights a sustainable approach to creating high-performance piezoelectric materials for smart sports and beyond.