Functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibrils and inorganic nanomaterials

Abstract

This feature article reviews some of the recent work on the fabrication of functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibers and inorganic nanomaterials with an emphasis on their functional properties and suggested potential applications. We also discuss some of the work oriented towards the formation of ordered materials in the pursuit of achieving a hierarchical construction. Besides the academic interest in biogenic nanomaterials, it is anticipated that the use of natural, abundant nanomaterials, e.g., cellulose, chitin, collagen, and silk, could provide affordable functional nanomaterials in developing countries. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.