Electrochemical water splitting presents an optimal approach for generating hydrogen ( H2), a highly promising alternative energy source. Nevertheless, the slow kinetics of the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the exorbitant cost, limited availability, and susceptibility to oxidation of noble metal-based electrocatalysts have compelled scientists to investigate cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts. Bimetallic nanostructured materials have been demonstrated to exhibit improved catalytic performances for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report carbon aerogel (CA) decorated with different molar ratios of Fe and Ni with enhanced OER activity. Microwave irradiation was involved as a novel strategy during the synthesis process. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX spectra and EDAX mapping), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) were used for physical characterizations of as-prepared material. Electrochemical potential towards OER was examined through cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The FeNi/CA with optimized molar ratios exhibits low overpotential 377 mV at 10 mAcm− 2, smaller Tafel slope (94.5 mV dec− 1), and high turnover frequency (1.09 s− 1 at 300 mV). Other electrocatalytic parameters were also calculated and compared with previously reported OER catalysts. Additionally, chronoamperometric studies confirmed excellent electrochemical stability, as the OER activity shows minimal change even after a stability test lasting 3600 s. Moreover, the bimetallic (Fe and Ni) carbon aerogel exhibits faster catalytic kinetics and higher conductivity than the monometallic (Fe), which was observed through EIS investigation. This research opens up possibilities for utilizing bi- or multi-metallic anchored carbon aerogel with high conductivities and exceptional electrocatalytic performances in electrochemical energy conversion.

Fluorine heteroatoms were introduced to increase the limited specific capacitances of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), and the effects of the fluorine atoms were analyzed. To introduce the fluorine, a CF4 plasma treatment was used that introduced the fluorine atoms quickly. Among the fluorine functional groups in the F6-ACA framework, the semi-ionic C–F bonds induced rapid charge transfer and imparted pseudocapacitance. Consequently, we achieved a specific capacitance of 325.68 F/g for the F6-CA sample at 0.5 A/g. By analyzing the contributions of the electric double-layer capacitance and the pseudocapacitance, we determined that the contribution from the pseudocapacitance was 37.57%. A remarkable specific capacitance retention rate of 95.87% was obtained over 1000 charge/discharge cycles with a high current density of 3 A/g. Additionally, the semi-ionic C–F bonds reduced the charge transfer resistance ( Rct) by 36.8%. Therefore, the specific capacitance was improved by the fluorine heteroatoms, and the semi-ionic C–F bonds played a pivotal role in this improvement.

In this study, hybrid aerogels containing carbon nanoparticles (CNP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were synthesized via sol–gel method using resorcinol/formaldehyde precursors through a hydrolysis-condensation reaction mechanism. Porous carbonaceous structures were achieved by freeze-drying of the organic gels followed by controlled carbonization under an inert gas. The samples were characterized by various techniques such as FTIR, BJH, FESEM, CV, and EIS. The specific surface area and total pore volume of the aerogel sample were measured to be as high as 452 m2/ g and 0.782 cm3/ g, respectively, thus enhancing the electric double-layer formation. Electrochemical tests on the samples showed a large specific capacitance (212 F/g) and an excellent cyclic stability over 3000 cycles. Performance of the synthesized structures was subsequently assessed as electrodes in a capacitive deionization (CDI) process. At the operating conditions of 1.6 V voltage, flow rate of 20 mL/min, and NaCl concentration of 1000 mg/L a promising adsorption capacity around 42.08 mg/g was achieved.

본 연구는 최근 신소재 단열재로 주목받고 있는 실리카 에어로겔을 이용하여 현재 사용되고 있는 다겹보온커튼의 단점을 보완하고 보온성을 유지 및 향상시킬 수 있는 새로운 조합의 다겹보온커튼을 제작 하여 현장에 설치함으로써 보온성과 경제성을 분석하고자 한다. 실험에 사용된 다겹보온커튼은 실리카 에어로겔이 함유된 부직포를 사용하여 2가지의 조합으로 제작하였으며 시중에 판매, 사용되고 있는 관행 다겹보온 커튼과의 차이에 따른 온습도변화와 연료소비량을 측정하여 비교분석하였다. 실험결과 단동온실과 연동온실에서 다겹보온커튼 차이에 따른 온습도변화는 미세하게 나타났으나, 거의 비슷한 온습도 값을 유지하였다. 이는 실리카 에어로겔을 이용한 다겹보 온커튼이 관행 다겹보온커튼에 비해 온습도 제어 측면에서 문제가 없음을 나타냈다. 난방에너지 비교분석 결과, 실리카 에어로겔을 이용한 다겹보온커튼이 관행 다겹보온커튼에 비해 연료소비량은 단동온실에서 약 15%, 연동온실에서 약 20% 의 연료소비량을 절감한 것으로 나타나 온실의 규모와 사용기 간이 증가함에 따라 난방에너지는 절감될 것으로 판단된다. 실리카 에어로겔 이용 다겹보온커튼이 관행 다겹보온커튼에 비해 통기성과 보온성이 증가되는 것이 확인되었다. 그러나, 연동온실에서 사용된 다겹보온커튼은 관행 다겹보온커튼에 비해 무게가 증가하고 뻣뻣하여 시공성과 작동성이 떨어지는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 이에 단동온실에서 사용된 다겹보온 커튼에서는 개선사항을 적용하였다. 내부단열재의 교체를 통해 두께를 감소시키고 뻣뻣함을 개선함으로써 농가가 사용하 기에 충분한 가능성이 있다는 것을 확인하였다.

Nanoporous silica aerogel insulation material is both lightweight and efficient; it has important value in the fields of aerospace, petrochemicals, electric metallurgy, shipbuilding, precision instruments, and so on. A theoretical calculation model and experimental measurement of equivalent thermal conductivity for nanoporous silica aerogel insulation material are introduced in this paper. The heat transfer characteristics and thermal insulation principle of aerogel nano are analyzed. The methods of SiO2 aerogel production are compared. The pressure range of SiO2 aerogel is 1Pa-atmospheric pressure; the temperature range is room temperature-900K. The pore diameter range of particle SiO2 aerogel is about 5 to 100 nm, and the average pore diameter range of about 20 ~ 40 nm. These results show that experimental measurements are in good agreement with theoretical calculation values. For nanoporous silica aerogel insulation material, the heat transfer calculation method suitable for nanotechnology can precisely calculate the equivalent thermal conductivity of aerogel nano insulation materials. The network structure is the reason why the thermal conductivity of the aerogel is very low. Heat transfer of materials is mainly realized by convection, radiation, and heat transfer. Therefore, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer path in aerogel can be reduced by nanotechnology.

The study presented in the article is focused on use of graphene obtained by novel microwave-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MECVD) method as a construction material for 3D porous structures—aerogels and sponges. MECVD graphene nanoplatelets-based aerogels were obtained by mixing MECVD graphene nanoplatelets and chitosan, dissolved in 3% acetic acid followed by its freeze drying and carbonization at 800° in inert medium. Surface morphology of aerogels was characterized by SEM. MECVD graphene nanoplatelets-based aerogels are characterized by a porous structure; they are superhydrophobic and possess high sorption capacity with regard to organic liquids of different densities. Polyurethane sponges coated with MECVD graphene can serve as an alternative to aerogels. The process of their obtaining is cheaper and less complicated. They were obtained by facile “dip-coating” method, modifying its surface to increase its hydrophobicity. The resulting sponges are superhydrophobic and superoleophilic, and demonstrate high rate of sorption of organic liquids and can be easily regenerated by squeezing. In addition, they can be used as a separating material in conjunction with vacuum system for continuous and selective collection of organic liquids from the surface of water.

A novel, unique, and effective method for carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion by the free arc stimulation is proposed. CNTs are introduced as an aerogel into the air space via the dispersion method and can be utilized as a solution by adding it to solvents. The volume of the original generated CNT aerogel with a high-volume expansion ratio displays a performance two orders of magnitudes better than that of raw CNTs, which is considered a powerful characterization of the dispersion effect. The CNT aerogel, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy also showed a satisfactory dispersion morphology. Its structure and properties were tested before and after dispersion by Raman spectroscopy and great consistency was observed, which proved that the CNTs were undamaged. This approach may greatly promote the large-scale application of CNTs.

To improve its textural properties as a support for platinum catalyst, carbon aerogel was chemically activated with KOH as a chemical agent. Carbon-supported platinum catalyst was subsequently prepared using the prepared carbon supports(carbon aerogel(CA), activated carbon aerogel(ACA), and commercial activated carbon(AC)) by an incipient wetness impregnation. The prepared carbon-supported platinum catalysts were applied to decalin dehydrogenation for hydrogen production. Both initial hydrogen evolution rate and total hydrogen evolution amount were increased in the order of Pt/CA < Pt/AC < Pt/ACA. This means that the chemical activation process served to improve the catalytic activity of carbon-supported platinum catalyst in this reaction. The high surface area and the well-developed mesoporous structure of activated carbon aerogel obtained from the activation process facilitated the high dispersion of platinum in the Pt/ACA catalyst. Therefore, it is concluded that the enhanced catalytic activity of Pt/ACA catalyst in decalin dehydrogenation was due to the high platinum surface area that originated from the high dispersion of platinum.

Carbon aerogel is a porous carbon material possessing high porosity and high specific surface area. Nitrogen doping reduced the specific surface area and micropores, but it furnished basic sites to improve the CO2 selectivity. In this work, N-doped carbon aerogels were prepared with different ratios of resorcinol/melamine by using the sol-gel method. The morphological properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nitrogen content was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the specific surface area and micropore volume were analyzed by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms at 77 K. The CO2 adsorption capacity was investigated by CO2 adsorption-desorption isotherms at 298 K and 1 bar. Melamine containing N-doped CAs showed a high nitrogen content (5.54 wt.%). The prepared N-doped CAs exhibited a high CO2 capture capacity of 118.77 mg/g (at resorcinol/melamine = 1:0.3). Therefore, we confirmed that the CO2 adsorption capacity was strongly affected by the nitrogen moieties.

Magnetite nanoparticles(NPs) have been the subject of much interest by researchers owing to their potential use as magnetic carriers in drug targeting and as a tumor treatment in cases of hyperthermia. However, magnetite nanoparticles with 10 nm in diameter easily aggregate and thus create large secondary particles. To disperse magnetite nanoparticles, this study proposes the infiltration of magnetite nanoparticles into hybrid silica aerogels. The feasible dispersion of magnetite is necessary to target tumor cells and to treat hyperthermia. Magnetite NPs have been synthesized by coprecipitation, hydrothermal and thermal decomposition methods. In particular, monodisperse magnetite NPs are known to be produced by the thermal decomposition of iron oleate. In this study, we thermally decomposed iron acetylacetonate in the presence of oleic acid, oleylamine and 1,2 hexadecanediol. We also attempted to disperse magnetite NPs within a mesoporous aerogels. Methyltriethoxysilicate(MTEOS)-based hybrid silica aerogels were synthesized by a supercritical drying method. To incorporate the magnetite nanoparticles into the hybrid aerogels, we devised two methods: adding the synthesized aerogel into a magnetite precursor solution followed by nucleation and crystal growth within the pores of the aerogels, and the infiltration of magnetite nanoparticles synthesized beforehand into aerogel matrices by immersing the aerogels in a magnetite nanoparticle colloid solution. An analysis using a vibrating sample magnetometer showed that approximately 20% of the magnetite nanoparticles were well dispersed in the aerogels. The composite samples showed that heating under an inductive magnetic field to a temperature of 45˚C is possible.

본 연구에서는 초소수성 실리카 에어로겔을 이용하여 단열 성능을 갖는 투명 필름용 유/무기 복합 코팅물질을 제조하였다. 바인더 물질로 사용된 자외선 경화형 우레탄 아크릴레이트 수지와 에어로겔과의 상용성을 위해 계면활성제(Brij 56)를 이용하여 에어로겔의 표면을 개질하였다. 개질된 에어로겔을 고분자 수지와 복합화한 코팅 용액을 폴리카보네이트 기지재에 코팅한 후 자외선경화를 통해 코팅필름을 제조하였다. 에어로겔이 10 vol% 함량으로 첨가되었을 때, 코팅필름의 단열성능은 측정된 열전도도 기준으로 순수 기지재 대비 28% 정도로 향상되었다. 또한, 코팅필름의 광투과율은 에어로겔이 50 vol%로 과량 첨가된 경우에도 80% 이상 높은 수준을 유지하였으며, 우수한 접착성(5B) 및 연필 경도(4H)를 보여주었다.

The synthesis behavior of nanoporous silica aerogel in the macroporous ceramic structure was observed using TEOS as a source material and glycerol as a dry control chemical additive (DCCA). Silica aerogel in the macroporous ceramic structure was synthesized via sono-gel process using hexamethyldiazane (HMDS) as a modification agent and n-hexane as a main solvent. The wet gel with a modified surface was dried at under ambient pressure. The addition of glycerol appears to give the wet gel a more homogeneous microstructure. However, glycerol also retarded the rate of surface modification and solvent exchange. Silica aerogel completely filled the macroporous ceramic structure without defect in the condition of surface modification (20% HMDS/nhexane at 36hr).

In preparation of silica aerogel-based hybrid coating materials, the combination of hydrophobic aerogel with organic polar binder material is shown to be very limited due to dissimilar surface property between two materials. Accordingly, the surface modification of the aerogel would be required to obtain compatibilized hybrid coating sols with homogeneous dispersion. In this study, the surface of silica aerogel particles was modified by using both surfactant adsorption and heat treatment methods. Four types of surfactants with different molecular weights and HLB values were used to examine the effect of chain length and hydrophilicity. The surface property of the modified aerogel was evaluated in terms of visible observation for aerogel dispersion in water, water contact angle measurement, and FT-IR analysis. In surface modification using surfactants, the effects of surfactant type and content, and mixing time as process parameter on the degree of hydrophilicity for the modified aerogel. In addition, the temperature condition in modification process via heat treatment was revealed to be significant factor to prepare aerogel with highly hydrophilic property.

silica의 precursor로 TMOS를 사용하여 autoclave 내에서 supersritical drying으로 투명한 TiO2-SiO2 이성분계 aerogle을 얻을 수 있었다. 반응성이 뛰어난 titanium alkoxide의 중축합반응을 억제할 수 있는 강한 산성 영역에서 투명한 Aerogel을 얻을 수 있었으며, 물을 직접 첨가하지 않고 silicon alkoxide의 축합반응의 부산물인 물을 이용하여 titanium alkoxide의 반응성을 제어했을 때 투명성이 더욱 증진되었다.