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Carbon nanomaterials in silica aerogel matrices

  • Christopher Eric Hamilton
  • , Manuel E. Chavez
  • , Juan G. Duque
  • , Gautam Gupta
  • , Stephen K Doorn
  • , Andrew Martin Dattelbaum
  • , Kimberly Ann DeFriend Obrey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLow-Dimensional Functional Nanostructures - Fabrication, Characterization and Applications
Pages233-238
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2010
Event2010 MRS Spring Meeting -
Duration: Dec 1 2010 → …

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1258
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Conference

Conference2010 MRS Spring Meeting
Period12/1/10 → …

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