Solvent-tuned hierarchical porosity in nitrocellulose aerogels

Abstract

We describe the simple preparation of nitrocellulose gels and high surface area (300 + m(2) g(-1)) aerogels and their hierarchical pore structures. The solvent in which the gels form greatly influences the pore geometry and size distribution of the gels in both the macro- and mesopore domains.

Aerogel of nitrate glycerol ether cellulose based on phase separation in acetone/ethanol mixed solvents system

“…As it was mentioned in Ref. , The mechanism for phase separation‐induced gelation of NGEC may be derived from analogous behavior described for cellulose acetate or NC/solvent/nonsolvent . The robust nature of the NGEC gel structure is probably the result of widespread hydrophobic interactions promoted by the prevalent ONO 2 groups on NGEC chains and hydrogen bonds promoted by hydroxyl groups on ethanol and NGEC chains.…”

“…[24, The mechanism for phase separation-induced gelation of NGEC may be derived from analogous behavior described for cellulose acetate or NC/solvent/nonsolvent. 3,[26][27][28][29] The robust nature of the NGEC gel structure is probably the result of widespread hydrophobic interactions promoted by the prevalent AONO 2 groups on NGEC chains and hydrogen bonds promoted by hydroxyl groups on ethanol and NGEC chains. As shown in Figure 3, it is assumed that a phase separation between (NGEC1 linked solvents) and (free solvents) has already occurred after partial evaporation of NGEC/acetone/ethanol solution.…”

“…Extensive interest has already focused on aerogels, a well developed and diverse class of porous materials, because their pore structure and high special surface area play an important role in enabling high activity for any heterogeneous application, such as sensing, catalysis, and adsorption of gases. [1][2][3][4][5] As Kistler reported the first aerogels, different types of organic and inorganic aerogels have been made and are successfully used in various applications such as catalytic, electrochemical, separations, and sensing. [6][7][8][9] Within the range of organic aerogels, aerogels with high surface area made from natural materials have been reported.…”

Large-Area Preparation of High-Quality and Uniform Three-Dimensional Graphene Networks through Thermal Degradation of Graphene Oxide–Nitrocellulose Composites

“…Herein, we report a simple method to fabricate high-quality and uniform 3D graphene networks through thermal degradation of GO–nitrocellulose (NC) composites without the use of an additional support. NC is a low-cost industrial polymer with wide-ranging applications in coatings, filtration, and biological sciences. , It is also an energetic material fill and remains a leading major ingredient of gunpowder and solid rocket propellant formulation. − GO is easily dispersed in NC to form a composite material . Unlike other polymers or small molecular compounds, which have been used to construct graphene networks, NC can be rapidly, and fully, decomposed.…”

“…NC is a low-cost industrial polymer with wide-ranging applications in coatings, filtration, and biological sciences. 51,52 It is also an energetic material fill and remains a leading major ingredient of gunpowder and solid rocket propellant formulation. 53−56 GO is easily dispersed in NC to form a composite material.…”