draadflenzen

Draadflenzen are a class of engineered materials consisting of planar networks of interconnected nanowires that form a two-dimensional, porous membrane. The term combines Dutch roots meaning wire and plate, reflecting a sheet-like fabric composed of nanoscale wire junctions.

Structure and properties: The sheets are typically a few nanometers to micrometers thick, with a network of nanowires that cross at junctions. The porosity and interwire contact govern electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and permeability. By selecting wire composition (metal, semiconductor, or carbon) and tuning density, draadflenzen exhibit high surface area and tunable conductivity, while retaining flexibility.

Synthesis: Fabrication relies on bottom-up assembly or templated deposition. Methods include electrospinning or solution-based self-assembly to form a network on substrates, chemical vapor deposition to grow wires, and post-treatment to enhance junction bonding or remove templates. Assembly parameters determine sheet alignment and uniformity.

Applications: Potential uses include energy storage devices where the membrane serves as a conductive separator or current collector, sensors leveraging high surface area, catalytic supports, and filtration membranes for selective permeation in chemical processing or water treatment. Their flexibility makes them suitable for foldable electronics and wearable devices.

Challenges and outlook: Key challenges are improving interwire contacts, preventing network degradation, achieving large-area uniform coatings, and integrating draadflenzen with other materials. Research is active, with ongoing efforts to tailor properties through composition, geometry, and post-processing.

See also: nanowire networks, conductive aerogels, 2D materials, porous membranes.

References: Recent reviews in nanomaterials and 2D conductive membranes summarize fabrication routes and applications.