Anisotropic core–shell ceramic nanofibrous membrane with improved optical reflectivity and thermal insulation for high-energy laser protection

Abstract

Abstract The development of multifunctionally coupled materials that can adapt to complex thermophotonic environments is increasingly critical for next-generation aerospace, defense, and high-energy laser applications. Ceramic nanofibers, though inherently robust, often struggle to reconcile optical reflectivity with directional thermal management under extreme conditions. Here, we present a core–shell ceramic nanofibrous membrane, comprising a mesoporous silica shell and a crystalline boron nitride core, which exhibits dynamic thermal-optical functionality tailored to high-flux laser exposure. By virtue of dual-channel electrospinning and calcination, the structure achieves high reflectivity (≈ 100% at 1064 nm) while enabling anisotropic thermal conduction—rapidly dissipating heat in the membrane plane while insulating through its thickness. This functional decoupling at the single-fiber level empowers the membrane to maintain mechanical and structural integrity above 1500 °C, outperforming conventional ceramic or polymer systems in both laser shielding and thermal resilience. Moreover, the membrane demonstrates a compressive elasticity of 95% strain, a tensile strength of ≈ 20 MPa, and structural stability under a real-time laser impact. By introducing a design strategy that couples optical scattering with spatially controlled heat flow, this work provides an effective pathway for designing adaptive ceramic nanofiber systems engineered to thrive in complex, coupled-mechanism environments.