Multifunctional hybrid nanopapers based on bacterial cellulose and sol–gel synthesized titanium/vanadium oxide nanoparticles

The hybrid inorganic/organic nanopapers based on bacterial cellulose and different type of sol–gel synthesized nanoparticles are fabricated. A simple, rapid, low-cost pathway based on a diffusion step of sol–gel nanoparticles into swollen bacterial cellulose membrane via orbital incubator is developed. This alternative pathway allows to keeping intact the 3D network of the bacterial cellulose membrane while sol–gel nanoparticles are formed in situ and anchored on the nanofibers surface. Titanium, vanadium oxide nanoparticles and a mixture of both are used to functionalize bacterial cellulose membrane. Fabricated hybrid inorganic/organic nanopapers are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, MTS mechanical testing, UV–vis spectroscopy, colorimeter and semiconductor analyzer. Synthesized photochromic hybrid nanopapers modified with vanadium and titanium oxide nanoparticles can find potential application as sensitive displays, biosensors and other optical devices.