Metal coordination assists fabrication of multifunctional aerogel

Interfacial design is one of the most promising ways in improving mechanical properties of nanocomposites . In this work, a multifunctional aerogel with excellent mechanical performances, sensing sensitivity, and fire retardancy is fabricated by taking advantage of metal coordination between biopolymer and Fe 3+ . Montmorillonite (MMT) nanosheets are added to induce a ‘brick and mortar’ structure. The coordination remarkably reduces structural defects , leading to well-formed lamellas that can effectively distribute stress under sever compression without plastic deformation . The structural merits impart the aerogel highly reversible compressibility even at 99 % strain and superior durability. Besides, it demonstrates high sensing performance in wearable health monitoring devices, and shows fire resistance property that can maintain elasticity in a flame. The work offers a facile and effective method to create multifunctional aerogels from various polymers.