Nanofiber and Aerogels

Nanofibrous Aerogels

From the first introduction of silica aerogel in 1930 to the most recent aerogels constructed from several organic and inorganic materials, design and fabrication of aerogels have been improved. Conventional aerogels are fabricated via solvent removal from a gelatinous network which is typically an expensive and time-consuming process involving multiple solvent exchanges. Additionally, conventional aerogels contain weak interconnected networks within their structure resulting in a lack of mechanical flexibility and strength that inhibit their functionality. Recently, nanofibrous aerogels (NFAs) have started getting attention because of their straightforward and robust method of preparation. NFAs are prepared by freeze-drying a dispersion of short nanofibers in a non-solvent. Synthesis of NFAs provides a flexible platform for creating nanofiber-based functional materials from a vast variety of organic and inorganic materials. My current research focuses on the design, fabrication, and characterization of multifunctional hybrid NFAs with application in photocatalysis, separation, CO2 capture, and thermal insulation.

Hybrid Materials and Technologies

Researcher: Tahira Pirzada

Developing multifunctional materials by combining substances and technologies is another major component of my research. I synthesize functional organic and inorganic hybrids by combining techniques like sol-gel processing, electrospinning and aerogel fabrication. Owing to their low bulk density, highly porous nature, and functional performance, aerogels are considered ideal candidates for various applications. To overcome the use of toxic solvents and the time-intensive nature of the complex fabrication process, we are working on a sustainable approach to fabricate hybrid nanofibers to generate self-supportive, thermally and mechanically stable nanofiber aerogels. Superhydrophobic nature and high oleophilicity of our synthesized aerogels enable them as ideal candidates for oil spill cleaning, while their flame retardancy and low thermal conductivity can be explored in various applications requiring stability at high temperatures.