Pirzada et. al, Advanced Functional Materials (2020)

DOI

Aerogels, known for their low bulk density and high porosity, face limitations in application due to complex and time-intensive fabrication processes. Addressing this, a recent approach involves incorporating a fibrous network into the aerogel structure, resulting in enhanced properties and functionalities. A facile method is introduced for creating hybrid sol–gel electrospun silica-cellulose diacetate (CDA) nanofibers, yielding thermally and mechanically stable nanofiber aerogels. Through thermal treatment, the silica-CDA network becomes strongly bonded, improving mechanical stability and hydrophobicity while maintaining high porosity (>98%) and low bulk density (≈10 mg cm−3). The resulting hybrid aerogels, exhibiting superhydrophobicity and high oleophilicity, show potential for applications in oil spill cleaning, flame retardancy, and scenarios requiring stability at high temperatures.