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Carbon Nanomaterials in Silica Aerogel Matrices

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Abstract

Silica aerogels are ultra low-density, high surface area materials that are extremely good thermal insulators and have numerous technical applications. However, their mechanical properties are not ideal, as they are brittle and prone to shattering. Conversely, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and graphene-based materials, such as graphene oxide, have extremely high tensile strength and possess novel electronic properties. By introducing SWNTs or graphene-based materials into aerogel matrices, it is possible to produce composites with the desirable properties of both constituents. We have successfully dispersed SWNTs and graphene-based materials into silica gels. Subsequent supercritical drying results in monolithic low-density composites having improved mechanical properties. These nanocomposite aerogels have great potential for use in a wide range of applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Polymers and Coatings Group, Materials Science and Technology Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, 87545, Los Alamos, NM, U.S.A.

    Christopher E. Hamilton, Manuel E. Chavez & Kimberly A. DeFriend Obrey

  2. Physcial Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy Group, Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, 87545, Los Alamos, NM, U.S.A.

    Juan G. Duque

  3. Center for Integrated Nanotechnology, Materials Physics and Applications Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, 87545, Los Alamos, NM, U.S.A.

    Gautam Gupta, Stephen K. Doorn & Andrew M. Dattelbaum

Authors
  1. Christopher E. Hamilton
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  2. Manuel E. Chavez
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  3. Juan G. Duque
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  4. Gautam Gupta
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  5. Stephen K. Doorn
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  6. Andrew M. Dattelbaum
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  7. Kimberly A. DeFriend Obrey
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Hamilton, C.E., Chavez, M.E., Duque, J.G. et al. Carbon Nanomaterials in Silica Aerogel Matrices. MRS Online Proceedings Library 1258, 511 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-1258-R05-11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-1258-R05-11

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