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Polymer and Composite Aerogels

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2019)

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Prof. Dr. Lei Zhai

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Guest Editor

1. NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
3. Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
Interests: polymer and ceramic composites of carbon nanotubes and graphene; polyelectrolytes; conjugated polymers; self-assembly; surface science and engineering

Prof. Dr. Tianxi Liu

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Guest Editor

1. State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
3. Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
Interests: polymer nanocomposites; nanofiber composites; polymer composite aerogels; energy storage materials and devices

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aerogels, often referred as “frozen smoke”, are highly porous materials with extremely low density and high specific surface area. Traditional inorganic aerogels, such as silica aerogels, are used as thermal and acoustic insulators, low dielectric substrates, and fire-resistant materials. Their properties and applications are limited by the choice of materials and fabrication approaches. On the other hand, polymer and other functional materials have provided many choices of materials, introduced additional properties, including toughness, flexibility and electrical conductivity, to aerogels, and offered more cost-effective methods to produce aerogels with controlled composition and structures. For example, carbon nanotubes and graphene have been used with polymers to produce highly flexible and electrical conductive aerogels. Graphene hybrid aerogels with complex architecture have been produced through 3D printing. This Special Issue is intended to report recent progress in the production and application of polymer and composite aerogels and provide valuable guidelines to design polymer and composite aerogels for next generation applications.

Dr. Lei Zhai
Prof. Dr. Tianxi Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Polymers
Composite
Porous
Aerogels
Nanostructures
Electrical Conductive
Flexible
Multifunctional

Published Papers (11 papers)

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12 pages, 2837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Properties of Hybrid Coffee-Cellulose Aerogels from Spent Coffee Grounds

by Xiwen Zhang, Li Ping Kwek, Duyen K. Le, Men Shu Tan and Hai Minh Duong

Polymers 2019, 11(12), 1942; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11121942 - 26 Nov 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6019

Abstract

A fully biodegradable hybrid coffee-cotton aerogel has been successfully developed from spent coffee grounds, 100% cotton fiber and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) flakes via environmental friendly processes. The cotton fibers in coffee aerogel help to maintain the structure and improve the overall properties of the new hybrid coffee-cotton aerogel. The results show that increasing the concentration of fibers, while keeping the concentration of spent coffee grounds constant, the sinking of coffee ground particles in solution and shrinking effect on the aerogels are minimized and the overall mechanical and oil absorption properties are improved. The developed hybrid aerogels possess high porosity of 92–95% and super-hydrophobicity with an average water contact angle of 139°. Oil absorption capacity achieves 16 g/g with 0.50 wt.% of cotton fibers inside the coffee aerogel. Their thermal conductivity is in the range of 0.037–0.045 W/mK and compressive Young’s modulus achieves highest at 15.6 kPa. The properties of the hybrid aerogel indicate it as a potential material in several applications such as thermal insulation, oil absorption and filtration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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11 pages, 3270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Fabrication of a Novel PZT@PPy Aerogel/Epoxy Resin Composite with Improved Damping Property

by Chunmei Zhang, Yuchao Li, Yanhu Zhan and Qian Xie

Polymers 2019, 11(6), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11060977 - 3 Jun 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

A novel lead zirconate titanate@polypyrrole (PZT@PPy) aerogel (PPA) was fabricated via in-situ polymerization and subsequent freeze-drying method. The porous PPA was then saturated with epoxy resin to obtain the PPA/epoxy composite (PPAE) by a simple vacuum filling method. In this way, the filler content and dispersion uniformity are well guaranteed, which is in favor of improving the damping and mechanical properties of composites. The morphology and structure of PPAs were investigated using XRD, SEM, EDS and nitrogen absorption and desorption measurements. The results showed that the PPA possessed a three-dimensional porous structure with uniform lead zirconate titanate (PZT) distribution. The influence of PZT content on the damping property of PPAE composite was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). PPAE-75 (i.e., the mass ratio of PZT to PPy is 75 wt %) exhibited the maximum damping loss factor value, 360% higher than that of the epoxy matrix, suggesting good structural damping performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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11 pages, 6964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide/Chitosan Composite Aerogels with High Mechanical Performance

by Yang Gong, Yingchun Yu, Huixuan Kang, Xiaohong Chen, Hao Liu, Yue Zhang, Yimeng Sun and Huaihe Song

Polymers 2019, 11(5), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11050777 - 1 May 2019

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 5208

Abstract

Chitosan, a semi-crystalline biomolecule, has attracted wide attention due to its high synthesis flexibility. In this study, to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan aerogels (CSAs), graphene oxide (GO) was extracted and introduced into chitosan aerogels as fillers. The porous CSAs/GO composite aerogels were fabricated by an environmentally friendly freeze-drying process with different GO contents (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, wt.%). The characteristics of the CSAs/GO were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical measurements and mercury porosimeter. The crystallinity of samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanism of the effect of graphene oxide on chitosan was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the microstructure of the samples is developed in the network structure. The porosity of CSAs/GO aerogels is as high as 87.6%, and the tensile strength of the films increased from 6.60 MPa to 10.56 MPa with the recombination of graphene oxide. The crystallinity (CrI) of composite aerogels increased from 27% to 81%, which indicates that graphene oxide improves the mechanical properties of chitosan by chemical crosslinking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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11 pages, 4738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Hierarchical Porous Carbon Aerogels by Microwave Assisted Sol-Gel Process for Supercapacitors

by Xueqing Cai, Guiming Tan, Zhentao Deng, Jianhong Liu and Dayong Gui

Polymers 2019, 11(3), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11030429 - 6 Mar 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3083

Abstract

Low-cost resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) organic aerogels were prepared by using resorcinol and formaldehyde as precursors, and sodium hydroxide as a catalyst through a single-mode microwave radiation-assisted sol-gel method and ambient temperature drying. Because of the ring focusing and power-max technology, the fabrication procedure of carbon aerogels (CAs) are much easier, faster, and cheaper than traditional methods. The RF aerogels were then pyrolysized at 900 °C, and the KOH activation process was used to further dredge micropores in the carbon aerogels. The CAs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and a series of electrochemical tests. The KOH activated carbon aerogels with 3D-nano-network structure exhibited a high specific surface area of 2230 m² g⁻¹ with appropriate pore volumes of micro-, meso-, and macropores. The specific capacitance of CAs activated by KOH measured in a two-electrode cell was 170 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ with excellent rate capability and cycle stability in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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10 pages, 2476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Sodium Montmorillonite on the Preparation and Properties of Cellulose Aerogels

by Lin-Yu Long, Fen-Fen Li, Yun-Xuan Weng and Yu-Zhong Wang

Polymers 2019, 11(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11030415 - 4 Mar 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5729

Abstract

In this study, first, a green and efficient NaOH/urea aqueous solution system was used to dissolve cellulose. Second, the resulting solution was mixed with sodium montmorillonite. Third, a cellulose/montmorillonite aerogel with a three-dimensional porous structure was prepared via a sol-gel process, solvent exchange and freeze-drying. The viscoelastic analysis results showed that the addition of montmorillonite accelerated the sol-gel process in the cellulose solution. During this process, montmorillonite adhered to the cellulose substrate surface via hydrogen bonding and then became embedded in the pore structure of the cellulose aerogel. As a result, the pore diameter of the aerogel decreased and the specific surface area of the aerogel increased. Furthermore, the addition of montmorillonite increased the compressive modulus and density of the cellulose aerogel and reduced volume shrinkage during the preparation process. In addition, the oil/water adsorption capacities of cellulose aerogels and cellulose/montmorillon aerogels were investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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16 pages, 10529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Synthesis of Methylsilsesquioxane Aerogels with Uniform Mesopores by Microwave Drying

by Xingzhong Guo, Jiaqi Shan, Wei Lei, Ronghua Ding, Yun Zhang and Hui Yang

Polymers 2019, 11(2), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11020375 - 20 Feb 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3563

Abstract

Methylsilsesquioxane (MSQ) aerogels with uniform mesopores were facilely prepared via a sol–gel process followed by microwave drying with methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as a precursor, hydrochloric acid (HCl) as a catalyst, water and methanol as solvents, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) as a surfactant and template, and propylene oxide (PO) as a gelation agent. The microstructure, chemical composition, and pore structures of the resultant MSQ aerogels were investigated in detail to achieve controllable preparation of MSQ aerogels, and the thermal stability of MSQ aerogels was also analyzed. The gelation agent, catalyst, solvent, and microwave power have important roles related to the pore structures of MSQ aerogels. Meanwhile, the microwave drying method was found to not only have a remarkable effect on improving production efficiency, but also to be conducive to avoiding the collapse of pore structure (especially micropores) during drying. The resulting MSQ aerogel microwave-dried at 500 W possessed a specific surface area up to 821 m²/g and a mesopore size of 20 nm, and displayed good thermal stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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11 pages, 2133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phase Behavior of a Carbon Dioxide/Methyl Trimethoxy Silane/Polystyrene Ternary System

by Hiroaki Matsukawa, Satoshi Yoda, Yasuo Okawa and Katsuto Otake

Polymers 2019, 11(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11020246 - 2 Feb 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2717

Abstract

Recently, polymeric foams filled with a silica aerogel have been developed. The phase behavior of CO₂/silicon alkoxide binary systems and CO₂/silicon alkoxide/polymer ternary systems is an important factor that affects the design of novel processes. The phase behavior of a carbon dioxide (CO₂)/methyl trimethoxy silane (MTMS)/polystyrene (PS) ternary system was measured using a synthetic method involving the observation of the bubble and cloud point. The phase boundaries were measured at temperatures ranging from 313.2 to 393.2 K and CO₂ weight fractions between 0.01 and 0.08. The CO₂/MTMS/PS system showed a similar CO₂ mass fraction dependence of the phase behavior to that observed for the CO₂/tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS)/PS system. When the phase boundaries of these systems were compared, the vapor-liquid (VL) and vapor-liquid-liquid (VLL) lines were found to be nearly identical, while the liquid-liquid (LL) lines were different. These results indicate that the affinity between the silicon alkoxide and polymer greatly influences the liquid-liquid phase separation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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14 pages, 2589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Aerogels of Carbon Nanocellulose Fibers and Mixed-Valent Manganese Oxides as Renewable Supercapacitor Electrodes

by Xiaoyu Guo, Qi Zhang, Qing Li, Haipeng Yu and Yixing Liu

Polymers 2019, 11(1), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010129 - 13 Jan 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6615

Abstract

Bio-waste derived nanocelluloses show excellent mechanical flexibility and self-aggregated capability, which enable them to be good supporting substrates for the synthesis of electroactive materials. Herein, we present a facile route for fabricating composite aerogels consisting of carbonized nanocellulose fibers (CNF) and mixed-valent manganese oxide (MnO_x), toward supercapacitor applications. Mixed solutions of nanocellulose and manganese acetate with different ratios were prepared and freeze-dried into hybrid aerogels. The hybrid aerogels were then transformed into CNF/MnO_x composites by a calcination process. The CNF membranes served as porous carbon nano-reservoirs for MnO_x and electrolyte. The CNF/MnO_x composites also kept a 3D porous aerogel structure with hierarchical pores, which enabled stable transport of both electrolyte ions and electrons to the electrode surface, leading to low a charge-transfer impedance and good electrochemical kinetics. The CNF/MnO_x-based symmetric supercapacitor showed a satisfied energy density and power density of 37.5 Wh kg⁻¹ and 2.75 kW kg⁻¹, respectively. All the above results demonstrate the feasibility of using sustainable nanocellulose as a nanoscale carbon substrate for the synthesis of hybrid composite electrodes toward renewable supercapacitor applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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16 pages, 4717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glucose/Graphene-Based Aerogels for Gas Adsorption and Electric Double Layer Capacitors

by Kang-Kai Liu, Biao Jin and Long-Yue Meng

Polymers 2019, 11(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010040 - 28 Dec 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4975

Abstract

In this study, three-dimensional glucose/graphene-based aerogels (G/GAs) were synthesized using the hydrothermal reduction and CO₂ activation method. Graphene oxide (GO) was used as a matrix, and glucose was used as a binder for the orientation of the GO morphology in an aqueous media. We determined that G/GAs exhibited narrow mesopore size distribution, a high surface area (763 m² g⁻¹), and hierarchical macroporous and mesoporous structures. These features contributed to G/GAs being promising adsorbents for the removal of CO₂ (76.5 mg g⁻¹ at 298 K), CH₄ (16.8 mg g⁻¹ at 298 K), and H₂ (12.1 mg g⁻¹ at 77 K). G/GAs presented excellent electrochemical performance, featuring a high specific capacitance of 305.5 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, and good cyclic stability of 98.5% retention after 10,000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles at 10 A g⁻¹. This study provided an efficient approach for preparing graphene aerogels exhibiting hierarchical porosity for gas adsorption and supercapacitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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10 pages, 3765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable, Low Flammability, Mechanically-Strong Poly(vinyl alcohol) Aerogels

by Zhihan Cheng, Kimberly DeGracia and David A. Schiraldi

Polymers 2018, 10(10), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10101102 - 5 Oct 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), tannic acid (TA) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used to prepare low-flammability, mechanically-strong aerogels via an environmentally-friendly freeze-drying method. Because of the strong interaction between TA and PVA through hydrogen bonds, PVA/TA/NaOH aerogels exhibited compressive moduli as high as 12.7 MPa, 20 times that of the control PVA aerogel. The microstructure of the aerogels in this study showed that the addition of NaOH disrupted the typical “card of house” aerogel structure, while the samples with TA showed a stereoscopic uniform structure. The thermal stabilities of aerogels were tested by thermogravimetric analysis, showing both a decrease on the onset of decomposition temperature, and a reduction in decomposition rate after initial char formation. The peak heat release rate and total heat release, as measured by cone calorimetry, dropped by 69% and 54%, respectively, after adding TA and NaOH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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Review

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41 pages, 6258 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Nanomaterials in Advanced, High-Performance Aerogel Composites: A Review

by Elizabeth Barrios, David Fox, Yuen Yee Li Sip, Ruginn Catarata, Jean E. Calderon, Nilab Azim, Sajia Afrin, Zeyang Zhang and Lei Zhai

Polymers 2019, 11(4), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11040726 - 20 Apr 2019

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 15298

Abstract

Aerogels are one of the most interesting materials of the 21st century owing to their high porosity, low density, and large available surface area. Historically, aerogels have been used for highly efficient insulation and niche applications, such as interstellar particle capture. Recently, aerogels have made their way into the composite universe. By coupling nanomaterial with a variety of matrix materials, lightweight, high-performance composite aerogels have been developed for applications ranging from lithium-ion batteries to tissue engineering materials. In this paper, the current status of aerogel composites based on nanomaterials is reviewed and their application in environmental remediation, energy storage, controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer and Composite Aerogels)

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