Advanced X/γ‐Ray‐Shielding Materials Enabled by the In Situ Generation of Cerium–Tungsten Nanoparticles Within Regenerated Collagen Fibers

Abstract Advanced X‐ and γ‐ray‐shielding materials are conventionally designed and fabricated via the uniform dispersion of high‐Z elements into the substrate. These soluble high‐Z elements considerably reduced the particle size of functional components; however, the as‐obtained composites exhibited weak absorption region at 40–80 keV and poor water resistance. To address these issues, such materials are fabricated by introducing cerium and tungsten into regenerated collagen fibers (RCFs) using a “dual impregnation–desolvation” strategy. The uniform dispersion of functional components is achieved via the in situ generation of cerium–tungsten nanoparticles (CeW NPs) under multiple impregnating and desolvating cycles; as a result, the CeW NPs achieved an ultrasmall particle size of 17.15 nm. Benefiting from the ultrasmall particle size and uniform dispersion of CeW NPs, the fabricated CeW‐RCF composites exhibit satisfactory X‐ and γ‐ray‐shielding capabilities with an ultrahigh mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of 5.9 cm 2 g −1 at 83 keV, higher than that of lead plates. The CeW‐RCF composites also exhibit outstanding mechanical strength, low density, and high air permeability, demonstrating their superior wearability. This work provides novel insights into the design and fabrication of advanced X‐ and γ‐ray‐shielding materials with high radiation‐shielding performance and enhanced wearability.