Versatile Keratin\nFibrous Adsorbents with Rapid-Response\nShape-Memory Features for Sustainable Water Remediation

Biodegradable shape-memory polymers derived from protein\nsubstrates\nare attractive alternatives with strong potential for valorization,\nalthough their reconstruction remains a challenge due to the poor\nprocessability and inherent instability. Herein, based on Maillard\nreaction and immobilization, a feather keratin fibrous adsorbent featuring\ndual-response shape-memory is fabricated by co-spinning with pullulan,\nheating, and air-assisted spraying ZIF-8-NH<sub>2</sub>. Maillard\nreaction between the amino group of keratin and the carbonyl group\nof pullulan improves the mechanics and thermal performance of the\nadsorbent. ZIF-8-NH<sub>2</sub> immobilization endows the adsorbent\nwith outstanding multipollutant removal efficiency (over 90%), water\nstability, and photocatalytic degradation and sterilization performance.\nFurthermore, the adsorbent can be folded to 1/12 of its original size\nto save space for transportation and allow for rapid on-demand unfolding\n(12 s) upon exposure to water and ultraviolet irradiation to facilitate\nthe adsorption and photocatalytic activity with a larger water contact\narea. This research provides new insight for further applications\nof keratin-based materials with rapid shape-memory features.