Novel 3D Network Architectured Hybrid Aerogel Comprising Epoxy, Graphene, and Hydroxylated Boron Nitride Nanosheets

Abstract

A novel three-dimensional (3D) epoxy/graphene nanosheet/hydroxylated boron nitride (EP/GNS/BNOH) hybrid aerogel was successfully fabricated in this study. This was uniquely achieved by constructing a well-defined and interconnected 3D network architecture. The manufacturing process of EP/GNS/BNOH involved a simple one-pot hydrothermal strategy, followed by the treatment of freeze-drying and high-temperature curing. In comparison with EP/GNS-3, EP/GNS/BNOH-3 demonstrated improvement of 97% for compressive strength at 70% strain. Through compression tests, fracture occurred for EP/GNS-3 at ninth compression cycles, whereas EP/GNS/BNOH-3 retained its original form after twenty compression cycles, with a residual height of 97% (i.e., only 3% reduction). By the addition of BNOH in the polymer matrix, the dynamic heat transfer and dissipation rates of EP/GNS/BNOH aerogels were also considerably reduced, indicating that the aerogel with BNOH additive possessed excellent thermal insulation properties. Thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that the thermal stabilities of EP/GNS and EP/GNS/BNOH aerogels were improved with increasing loading of EP, and EP/GNS/BNOH aerogels exhibited a better thermal stability at high temperatures. Through the elevated levels attained in the compressive strength, superelasticity, and thermal resistance, EP/GNS/BNOH aerogels has the great potential of being a very effective thermal insulation material to be utilized across a board range of applications in building, automotive, spacecraft, and mechanical systems.

Directional, super‐hydrophobic cellulose nanofiber/polyvinyl alcohol/montmorillonite aerogels as green absorbents for oil/water separation

“…As everyone knows, aerogel has the characteristics of low density, large specific surface area, high porosity and good adsorption property. It fully meets the above requirements and is one of the ideal materials for oil/organic adsorbents [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Hydroxylated boron nitride materials: from structures to functional applications

“…The treatment can generate some other defects in HO-BNs. If the temperature reaches 1500°C, the products have to be hydroxylated by the above methods [47][48][49][50][51][52][53] h-BNNSs Sonication-assisted exfoliation It is a facile method to directly exfoliate BN bulk into HO-BNNSs The hydroxyl degree is relatively low For a high hydroxyl degree, some additives have to be introduced, such as, acid, base, salt, etc [31,[55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63] Ball-milling-assisted exfoliation Situations similar to ''sonication-assisted exfoliation'' [64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72] Hummer's-like routes The use of strong oxidants (i.e., H 2 SO 4 , H 2 O 2 , KMnO 4 , and their mixtures) requires an extra attention Sometimes the oxidization process can lead to the presence of a few by-products of BN dots [73][74][75][76] Multi-step functionalization method It can be divided into two stages: one is from BN to BNNS and then to HO-BNNS, the other is from BN to HO-BN and then to HO-BNNS [82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92] Bottom-up routes It generally requires high temp...…”

“…The layers can be further hydroxylate by carrying out a series of post-treatments under acid, alkali, oxidant, etc. [82][83][84][85][86][87][88]. Figure 10a shows a strategy to functionalize h-BNNSs via two synthesis steps [82].…”

“…Hydroxylation has been also achieved in hydrothermally treated h-BNNS in NaOH solution [86]. A 3D hybrid aerogel of epoxy/graphene nanosheet/HO-BNNS has been prepared in a second step.…”

Enhanced Thermal Insulation and Flame-Retardant Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Aerogels Composited with Ammonium Polyphosphate and Chitosan

“…For example, adding a polymer-based aerogel material between walls can effectively preserve house heat and provide insulation. Polymer-based aerogels have attracted significant attention as construction materials owing to their unique advantages, such as low density, high specific surface area, and low thermal conductivity [2][3][4][5]. Among the various polymer matrices, water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a versatile and low-cost polymer [6] that can be used to prepare aerogels.…”