Fabrication of graphene oxide/silk protein core-sheath aerogel fibers for thermal management

Abstract

Effective thermal management in advancing electronics is hindered by phase change material (PCM) leakage. This study introduces coaxial wet spinning to encapsulate polyethylene glycol (PEG) within a graphene oxide/silk fibroin (GO/SF) core sheathed by thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), forming a robust core–shell structure. The resulting GO/SF@TPU aerogel fibers exhibit exceptional tensile strength (17.21 MPa) and toughness (136.8 MJ m⁻³) while retaining shape stability under varying humidity. Subsequent PEG impregnation yields GO/SF@TPU-PEG composite phase change fibers (PCFs) with high latent heat (86.66 J g⁻¹) and low thermal conductivity (0.0863 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹), enabling efficient thermal storage and insulation. These PCFs maintain a 26.4 °C temperature gradient at 100 °C, demonstrating superior thermal regulation. Combining mechanical durability, humidity resistance, and thermal efficiency, the fibers are ideal for smart textiles and wearable devices requiring lightweight, sustainable thermal management. This innovation addresses PCM leakage challenges and advances eco-friendly thermal insulation solutions, showcasing significant potential for next-generation electronics and energy-efficient applications.