Strain-Induced Self-Rolling of Electrochemically Deposited Co(OH)2 Films into Organic–Inorganic Microscrolls

Strain-induced self-folding is a ubiquitous phenomenon in biology, but rarely seen brittle geological or synthetic inorganic materials. We here apply this concept for the preparation of three-dimensional free-standing microscrolls cobalt hydroxide. Electrodeposition presence structure-directing water-soluble polyelectrolytes interfering with solid precipitation used to generate thin polymer/inorganic hybrid films, which undergo self-rolling upon drying. Mechanistically, we propose that heterogeneities respect nanostructural motifs along surface normal direction lead substantial internal strain. A non-uniform response release water then results bending motion two-dimensional Co(OH)2 layer accompanied by dewetting from substrate. Pseudomorphic conversion into Co3O4 affords possibility hierarchically structured solids inherent catalytic activity. Hence, present an electrochemically controllable system, biological concepts organic matrix-directed mineralization and strain-induced are combined translated functional material.