Hybrid cross-linking for the synthesis of highly tough fluorescent alginate fibers

The limited mechanical performance and functional constraints of alginate fibers significantly impede their development in the context of professional research. To address the aforementioned issues, this study initially utilized polyethyleneimine (PEI) and citric acid to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CD) with surface amino functionalization. Subsequently, in a sodium alginate (SA) solution, CD and vinyl silicon-based nanoparticles (VSNP) were co-introduced. Utilizing the abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in polysaccharides, stable interactions were achieved with CD and VSNP. Incorporating a dynamic hydrogen-bonded crosslinking network among CD, VSNP and SA, the establishment of a calcium alginate (CA) ionically crosslinked network is facilitated via calcium-sodium ion exchange. Additionally, the interwoven and interlocked structure between the aforementioned dual networks was established. Employing a wet spinning process, the synergistic multiple dynamic energy dissipation mechanisms significantly enhance the mechanical performance. Fluorescent alginate fibers (CA/VSNP/CD) were prepared. The tensile strength was 3.81 cN/dtex, and the elongation at break was 13.16%. Compared to pure CA fibers, there were respective increases of 95.38% and 82.02%. Simultaneously, the fibers exhibit excitation-dependent emission characteristics. This work lays the foundation for potential applications of fluorescent alginate fibers in environmental monitoring, chemical sensors, dynamic anti-counterfeiting, and biomedical fields.