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Developing hydrogel actuators with excellent driving performance and extended lifespan remains challenging. Ti3C2Tx MXene, as a two-dimensional nanomaterial with a unique layered structure, has attracted widespread attention in flexible hydrogel actuators for its excellent optical absorption properties and tunable surface functionality. However, MXene faces difficulties in dispersion and is prone to oxidation, which significantly hinders the development and use of MXene-based hydrogel actuators. In this study, we fabricated a near-infrared light-driven hydrogel actuator with rapid photo responsiveness and antioxidative properties by incorporating modified MXene with antioxidant characteristics and the pore-forming agent polyvinyl alcohol into the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel system. We functionalized MXene nanosheets with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), effectively enhancing antioxidative properties, preventing structural degradation caused by spontaneous oxidation, and improving surface properties. This enhanced the dispersion stability of MXene in the system and extended its lifespan from 7 days to over two weeks. The hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol chains served as drainage channels during hydrogel contraction, imparting the hydrogel with rapid driving capabilities (127.1° s−1). Additionally, leveraging the fast response characteristics, we designed an octopus-inspired light-driven soft swimmer and gripper. This work provides novel insights into the application of intelligent responsive hydrogels in biomimetic and practical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lifetime and application of electrochemical storage devices are always threatened by thermal runaway. Intelligent self-protecting gel electrolytes can be designed using temperature-responsive polymers. However, the mechanisms and factors affecting protective behavior are unclear. Here, we fabricated supercapacitors using temperature-responsive polyacrylamide-2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (PNIPAM-co-HEA) hydrogel polyelectrolytes. It was found that the polymer changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic with increasing temperature, and the physical cross-linking of the polymer molecular strands in the electrolyte was enhanced, thus restricting conductive ion migration and closing the ion transportation pathway. The hydrophilic–hydrophobic transition on the gel surface also contributed to the suppression of the specific capacitance of the supercapacitor. This self-protection feature is repeatable. In addition, we investigated the effect of methyl groups in the main chain structure on the electrochemical properties using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PNIPAM-co-HEMA). Methylene enhanced the hydrophobicity of the polymer at room temperature and reduced the thermo-protective effect. The methyl group in the main chain also reduced the thermal response temperature of the polymer. This study explores the mechanism by which temperature-responsive polymers inhibit thermal runaway in supercapacitors and provides support for the design of more rational and efficient temperature-sensitive electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Design and fabrication of MXene-based soft actuators with angle-independent structural color. The nanostructured MXene can not only facilitate the formation of short-range ordered 3D amorphous photonic crystals, but also help significantly improve structural color saturation. The soft actuators exhibit brilliant angle-independent structural color, ultrafast actuation and recovery speeds in response to vapor. In nature, many living organisms exhibiting unique structural coloration and soft-bodied actuation have inspired scientists to develop advanced structural colored soft actuators toward biomimetic soft robots. However, it is challenging to simultaneously biomimic the angle-independent structural color and shape-morphing capabilities found in the plum-throated cotinga flying bird. Herein, we report biomimetic MXene-based soft actuators with angle-independent structural color that are fabricated through controlled self-assembly of colloidal SiO2 nanoparticles onto highly aligned MXene films followed by vacuum-assisted infiltration of polyvinylidene fluoride into the interstices. The resulting soft actuators are found to exhibit brilliant, angle-independent structural color, as well as ultrafast actuation and recovery speeds (a maximum curvature of 0.52 mm−1 can be achieved within 1.16 s, and a recovery time of ~ 0.24 s) in response to acetone vapor. As proof-of-concept illustrations, structural colored soft actuators are applied to demonstrate a blue gripper-like bird's claw that can capture the target, artificial green tendrils that can twine around tree branches, and an artificial multicolored butterfly that can flutter its wings upon cyclic exposure to acetone vapor. The strategy is expected to offer new insights into the development of biomimetic multifunctional soft actuators for somatosensory soft robotics and next-generation intelligent machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the significant improvement of energy density and power density of electrochemical energy storage devices, a large amount of heat will be generated during operation, and fire or explosion may occur due to high internal temperature. However, the traditional method of controlling thermal runaway is slow and irreversible. Here, we investigate a reversible electrolyte system based on thermal-responsive polymers consisting of Pluronic F127, ionic liquid (IL) [EMIM]BF4, and a lithium salt. Pluronic-IL electrolyte responds by sol–gel transformation above the lower-critical solution temperature (LCST), which inhibits electrochemical energy conversion and effectively prevents thermal runaway at 160 ℃. We investigated the effects of operating temperature, lithium-ion concentration, and Pluronic concentration on electrochemical performance and proved that by regulating the concentration of Pluronic, the loss rate of capacitance can reach nearly 70%. It can be seen that this is a green and efficient method to control thermal runaway and may be practically used in lithium-ion batteries in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) arrays were used for electrochemical sensor to detect sulfadimidine (SM2) residue in food. NiCo2O4 nanoneedle arrays were decorated on the free-standing and highly conductive 3D graphene by a hydrothermal process. Polypyrrole (PPy) was coated onto NiCo2O4 nanoneedle arrays via electropolymerization in the presence of template molecule SM2 to obtain MIP/NiCo2O4 nanoneedle/3D graphene electrode. The desirable detectability of the composite electrode can be ascribed to the unique structure and the synergistic effects of the components: Nanoneedle arrays on 3D graphene offered the matrix to MIP and each nanoneedle as sensing unit was accessible to analyte, resulting in high specific surface area, desirable conductivity, short ion diffusion path and excellent adsorption capacity, which could powerfully boost the electrochemical property for the detection of SM2. Under optimized conditions, a wide linear range over SM2 of 0.2-1000 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.169 ng/mL (S/N = 3) was obtained. The developed sensor also had favorable recovery of 92.3-102.23% and the relative standard deviation of 2.27-4.10%. The MIP array sensor provided an efficient tool for the selective and rapid detection of SM2 in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tetraphenyl porphyrin tetrasulfonic acid (TPPS)-modified three-dimensional porous Mn3O4/PANi composites electrode was prepared, which has excellent electrical conductivity and rate performance. The conductivity and stability of polyaniline (PANi) gels have been improved due to the doping of TPPS and its conjugated molecular structure. Furthermore, the Mn3O4/PANi composites gel similar to reinforced concrete structure were prepared by coating PANi cross-linked by TPPS on one-dimensional Mn3O4 nanorods. On the one hand, modified PANi gel act as a functional coating of Mn3O4 nanorods, providing structural protection and providing more active sites. On the other hand, the overlapping Mn3O4 nanorods and PANi gel form a three-dimensional porous network structure, which has a high specific surface area, provides more channels for the transfer of electrons and electrolyte ions, and effectively improves the conductivity of Mn3O4. The specific capacitance of the composite electrode can reach 422 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, and the specific capacitance can reach 265 F g−1 at a high current density of 10 A g−1. After 2000 cycles, the capacity loss was only 11%. And the charge transfer resistance is only 1.2 Ω. These excellent electrochemical performances, as a result of the stable structure formed by TPPS modification and three-dimensional porous morphology, suggesting that these composites have an enormous potential in energy application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PPy/PANI double-layer nanotubes anchored reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets with three-dimensional architecture (3DGP) have been obtained for supercapacitors applications. The freestanding electrode yields specific capacitance (542 F g at current density of 1 A/g) and excellent cycle stability (92.1% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles in a three-electrode cell configuration). The further assembled symmetric supercapacitor device exhibits a high energy density of 20.8 W h kg at a power density of 250 W kg and good cycle stability (capacitance loss of 7% up to 2000 cycles). The exceptional electrochemical performance of 3DGP can be ascribed to the unique structure and the synergistic effects of the components: (1) Integrating the highly capacitance matrix PPy/PANI coaxial nanotubes hybrid in rGO to enhance the reversible faradic reactions can boost the utilization rate of the electrode materials and circumventing the predicament of pseudo materials. (2) The desirable π- π interactions between highly conductive rGO films and polymer chains construct a high-performance network, which facilitates rapid transport of the electrolyte ions in the electrode. (3) The as-prepared electrode materials fabricated into electrodes directly decrease the 'dead weight,' for the addition of binder and conductive agents can be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We designed the hollow ZnCoO microsphere with meshy surface by means of ormaldehyde bubble-induced method. To avoid the occurring of the side reaction on the interface caused by its high specific surface area, three-dimensional (3D) polypyrrole/sodium alginate (PPy/SA) composite via the situ polymerization of pyrrole in an aqueous solution of SA was used as the coating layer of ZnCoO to form lychee-shaped ZnCoO@PPy/SA microsphere. The PPy/SA was found to have a more favorable conductivity and mechanical strength than PPy. As anode material for lithium-ion battery, ZnCoO@PPy/SA possesses numerous merits compared with ZnCoO and ZnCoO@PPy. The more outstanding electrochemical performance of ZnCoO@PPy/SA electrode with higher reversible capacity, more excellent long-term cycling stability and better rate capability can be attributed to the porous hollow structure and PPy/SA coating, which not only reduce the path length for Li ions but also accommodate the volume expansion. Such structured composite electrode may have great potential for the application in lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion deposits formed within drinking water distribution systems deteriorate drinking water quality and resultantly cause public health consequences. In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the concurrent conditions of corrosion scales and the drinking water quality in selected water supply schemes (WSS) in districts Chitral, Peshawar, and Abbottabad, northern Pakistan. Characterization analyses of the corrosion by-products revealed the presence of α-FeOOH, γ-FeOOH, FeO, and SiO as major constituents with different proportions. The constituents of all the representative XRD peaks of Peshawar WSS were found insignificant as compared to other WSS, and the reason could be the variation of source water quality. Well-crystallized particles in SEM images indicated the formation of dense oxide layer on corrosion by-products. A wider asymmetric vibration peak of SiO appeared only in Chitral and Abbottabad WSS, which demonstrated higher siltation in the water source. One-way ANOVA analysis showed significant variations in pH, turbidity, TDS, K, Mg, PO, Cl, and SO values, which revealed that these parameters differently contributed to the source water quality. Findings from this study suggested the implementation of proper corrosion prevention measures and the establishment of international collaboration for best corrosion practices, expertise, and developing standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we reported the highly ordered NiCoO nanoneedle@polypyrrole arrays anchored on three-dimensional graphene (NiCoO@PPy/3D graphene) for high-sensitivity detection of trace lead ions (Pb). The 3D graphene was prepared by a hydrothermal process and then decorated with NiCoO nanoneedle arrays by another hydrothermal process. This two-step hydrothermal method is simple and mild. Furthermore, the highly conductive PPy was coated on NiCoO via a chemical vapor-phase polymerization to prepare NiCoO@PPy/3D graphene. The free-standing NiCoO@PPy/3D graphene can be directly utilized as 3D electrochemical working electrode without being decorated onto working electrode like Au and glassy carbon electrode. High conductivity, large specific surface area, short ion diffusion path and excellent adsorption capacity of NiCoO@PPy/3D graphene efficiently improved electrochemical property for the detection of Pb. Using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV), a linear range between the currents and the concentrations of Pb of 0.0125-0.709 μM with a high sensitivity of 115.621 μA μM was obtained. The limit of detection can reach to 0.2 nM. In addition, the fabricated sensor of Pb also had good selectivity, reproducibility and long-term stability. Finally, NiCoO@PPy/3D graphene electrode was utilized for determining Pb in tap water sample using the standard addition method, revealing a promising application for the quantitative detection of certain concentration ranges of Pb in real sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a supramolecular self-assembly hydrogel was designed for SnO-based anode through electrostatic interaction and ionic bonding between poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) chain and gelator phytic acid. Microrheology measurement was employed to investigate the self-sorting mechanism of the hierarchical nanostructured PAH. Results confirmed that ionically cross-link PAH improves the structural integrity of SnO nanospheres due to the reversible ionic bonding and thus increases the lifetime of the electrodes obviously. Besides, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were applied to improve the electrochemical performance of hollow SnO nanospheres due to their high conductivity. Results confirmed that the conductive network constructed by MWCNTs reduces the polarization of the composites while increases the specific capacity of the electrodes. Attributed to the synergistic effect of PAH-60 and MWCNTs, the composite electrodes show excellent electrochemical performance with a reversible capacity of 574 mAh g after 100 cycles at 100 mA g, a discharge capacity of 321 mAh g at 2000 mA g and a spring-back capacity of 506 mAh g at 200 mA g. Additionally, the prepared composite electrodes were observed to have a complete network structure after rate capability test, demonstrating a superior structural stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel MWCNT/long nanotubular TiO(B) loaded with SnO nanocrystals (SnONC/TiO(B)NT/MWCNT) ternary composite has been prepared by two-step hydrothermal method and used as the anode material for the first time. In this work, the mechanical stirring improved the diffusion and surface reaction rates of reactants and promoted the appearance of longer intermediate TiO(B) nanosheets, leading to the formation of TiO(B) nanotubes with a length of ~9 μm. Among the SnONC/TiO(B)NT/MWCNT composite, the wrapping and mechanical supporting functions of TiO(B) nanotubes can effectively avoid the pulverization and aggregation of SnO nanocrystals (SnONC) in lithium-ion charging and discharging process. Moreover, the synergistic effects of nanotubular TiO(B) coating layer and three-dimensional interconnected network structure composed of TiO(B) nanotubes and MWCNT were taken to mitigate volume expansion of SnONC and improve the transport of lithium ion and electron in the network. Tested as anode materials, the SnONC/TiO(B)NT/MWCNT composite maintained 211 mAh g at 3000 mA g after three testing processes with alternative current density of 200 and 3000 mA g and could rebound to 338 mAh g at a current density of 200 mA g, indicating an effective way to optimize electrochemical properties of SnO as anode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, stable and sensitive non-enzymatic glucose biosensor based on bimetallic hollow Ag/Pt nanoparticles and the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was obtained. The hybrid of bimetallic hollow Ag/Pt nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide (HAg/PtNPs-rGO) was prepared by a galvanic replacement reaction and the thermal reduction of graphene oxide. Thermal reduction has been highly effective in producing graphene-like films which can render a stable substrate for hollow Ag/Pt nanoparticles. The morphology and composition of the prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrated that the biosensor decorated by HAg/PtNPs-rGO can directly detect glucose and show a superior electro catalytic activity. The results of amperometric method showed a desirable amperometric response with a sensitivity of 129.32 μA mM cm, a linear range of 0.003-7.72 mM (R = 0.9943), a fast response time (less than 3 s) and a low detection limit of 1.8 μM (S/N = 3). In addition, the fabricated sensor also had good selectivity, reproducibility and long-term stability. The sensor modified by HAg/PtNPs-rGO could make a promising application in glucose determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting polymer hydrogels are emerging as a promising class of materials that combine the advantageous features of conventional hydrogels and organic conductors, and would potentially be used in many applications, especially for energy storage devices. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional synthesis, this work describes the use of amino trimethylene phosphonic acid as the gelator and dopant for rapidly fabricating hierarchical nanostructured polyaniline (PAni) hydrogel with excellent electronic conductivity and electrochemical properties. Owing to 3D porous nanostructures and high surface area, the PAni hydrogel exhibits potential as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes with specific capacitance over 420 F g. Furthermore, the rapidly formed PAni hydrogel was first used for 3D multilayer printing of micro-patterns due to the unique synthesis method and desirable processability. Taken together, these results suggest that the PAni hydrogel networks exhibit highly useful for a broad range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nano-Sn particle/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/poly(vinyl alcohol) core-shell hierarchical composite (nano-Sn/PEDOT:PSS/PVA CSHC) was fabricated for the first time and evaluated as a high-performance anode material in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The core-shell hierarchical structure of the composite was revealed by field-emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope; the components of the composite were investigated by X-ray diffraction and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; the nano-Sn particle content in the composite was obtained by thermogravimetric analysis and the electrochemical performance was studied by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. When used as LIB anode material, the nano-Sn/PEDOT:PSS/PVA CSHC electrode exhibited high reversible capacity (568 mA h g after 100 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 100 mA g), superior cycling stability (capacity retention of 66.0 % after 100 cycles), good rate performance (143 mA h g at 1500 mA g) and low charge transfer resistance compared to pristine nano-Sn particle and nano-Sn/PEDOT:PSS composite electrodes. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the core-shell hierarchical structure. The results show that the nano-Sn/PEDOT:PSS/PVA CSHC is a promising anode candidate for next-generation LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize the electrode system of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for problems like lithium-ion diffusion, electron transport, and large volume change during cycling processes, a novel three-dimensional (3D) hybrid FeO nanotube array anode coated by polypyrrole (FeO@PPy) is synthesized via a sacrificial template-accelerated hydrolysis method followed by a chemical vapor-phase polymerization process. In the hollow core-shell nanostructures, the conducting PPy layer could not only facilitate the electron transport, but also force the core to expand inward into the hollow space, which allows for free volume expansion of the FeO without mechanical breaking. Besides, the static outer surface is contributed to form a stable solid electrolyte interface film. As a result, the integration of 3D hybrid nanostructure electrode is capable of retaining a high capacity of 665 mA h g after 150 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of above 97 %, revealing better cycling properties compared with bare FeO nanotube arrays' anode. This nanoengineering strategy is proven to be an ideal candidate for the development of high-performance anode for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow Sn-Co nanospheres have been fabricated by galvanic replacement reaction. In particular, the hollow resultants with different shell thickness and void space can be obtained using sacrificial templates with different sizes. The structural evolution of Sn-Co hollow microspheres and structure changes during charge/discharge process were studied using XRD, SEM, and TEM. As an anodic material, the hollow resultants with thin shell and relatively large void space exhibited a good reversible capacity of 502 mAh g at a current density of 100 mA g and a coulomb efficiency over 99 % after 100 cycles. The contributions of the hollow structure and the inactive Co element to electrochemical performance were verified by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling, electrochemical impedance spectroscope, and TEM measurements. A possible mechanism for hollow structure with different shell thickness to alleviate the volume change was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-enzymatic glucose sensor was successfully fabricated by immobilization of bimetallic hollow Ag/Pt nanoparticles (BH-Ag/Pt NPs) using the galvanic replacement reaction onto the surface of the pretreated pure Au electrode. The morphology and composition of the BH-Ag/Pt NPs were investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which proved the formation of bimetallic hollow Ag/Pt nanoparticles. The electroactive surface area and interface property of the Au electrode modified by BH-Ag/Pt NPs were measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The associated calculated values were 0.210 cm and 11.30 Ω cm, which were distinctly higher than those of the pure Au electrode. The electrocatalytic properties of the modified electrode toward glucose oxidation were evaluated by CV and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results showed that the modified electrode had a high electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation, a linear response to the glucose concentrations ranging from 1 to 12 mM covering the physiological level of 3-8 mM with a current sensitivity of 7 μA mM and a low detection limit of 0.013 mM. Moreover, the modified electrode also showed ideal reproducibility, long-term stability, and high selectivity. It also showed good glucometer test values for real samples. Therefore, both of the facile preparation method and the excellent properties of the Au electrode modified by BH-Ag/Pt NPs could potentially be implemented to develop novel non-enzymatic glucose sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduced the controllable fabrication and characterization of graded and gradient porous polypropylene (PP) via thermal treatment of PP/poly(ethylene-1-octene) copolymer (PEOc) blend with co-continuous phase morphology. The co-continuous phase structure of PP/PEOc blend would coarsen during its annealing process if the annealing temperature was higher than the melting point of the PP, while no coarsening effect would occur if the temperature was lower than the melting point. In addition, the coarsening rate of the co-continuous structure would be different making the blends annealed at different temperature. The graded or gradient phase morphology would be obtained by designing proper thermal boundary condition. The subsequent removal of PEOc phase left the graded or gradient porous PP structure. The graded and gradient porous microstructure along the sample thickness direction was studied by SEM. The SEM results indicated that by designing proper thermal boundary condition the graded PP and gradient porous PP structures along the thickness of the sample were formed, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial-driven biogeochemical cycles in wetlands impacted by global warming pose a potential downstream eutrophication risk. However, the consequences of ongoing warming on the functional and metabolic potential of sediment microbial communities are largely unknown. We incubated sediment samples under both ambient temperature conditions (control) and simulated warming conditions of 5°C above ambient temperature (warmed) using a novel field microcosm system. In warmed samples, we observed in situ a decreased thickness of the oxidized sediment layer and associated lower sediment redox potential. GeoChip 4.0, a comprehensive functional gene microarray, demonstrated that many functional genes that are involved in oxidation-reduction reactions and in phosphorus (P) degradation were preferentially enriched under warming conditions. The enriched genes included those genes encoding carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase biotin carboxylase ( ppc), and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) for carbon fixation; nitrate reductases ( narG) and nitrous oxide reductases ( nosZ) for denitrification; cytochrome c for metal reduction; and exopolyphosphatase ( ppx) for polyphosphate degradation. The redox potential was one of the most significant parameters linked to microbial functional gene structure. These results demonstrate that the enhanced hypoxia and anaerobic metabolic pathways accelerated sediment P mobilization in freshwater wetland subject to warming, raising the potential of water eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Thermodynamic Behavior and Morphology of PP/POE Blends Prepared by Melt- and Solution-mixing Methods," by Jing Zhao, Xingming Shuai, Li Wang, Xinqiang Tang, Xinhua Xu, Jing Sheng, and Dinghai Huang published online March 11, 2009.

Uniform dispersion of two-dimensional (2D) graphene materials in polymer matrices remains challenging. In this work, a novel layer-by-layer assembly strategy was developed to prepare a sophisticated nanostructure with highly dispersed 2D graphene oxide in a three-dimensional matrix consisting of one-dimensional bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers. This method is a breakthrough, with respect to the conventional static culture method for BC that involves multiple in situ layer-by-layer assembly steps at the interface between previously grown BC and the culture medium. In the as-prepared BC/GO nanocomposites, the GO nanosheets are mechanically bundled and chemically bonded with BC nanofibers via hydrogen bonding, forming an intriguing nanostructure. The sophisticated nanostructure of the BC/GO leads to greatly enhanced mechanical properties compared to those of bare BC. This strategy is versatile, facile, scalable, and can be promising for the development of high-performance BC-based nanocomposite hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]