The poor reliability of thermal conductivity data in the aerogel literature: a call to action!

Abstract

Aerogels are an exciting class of materials with record-breaking properties including, in some cases, ultra-low thermal conductivities. The last decade has seen a veritable explosion in aerogel research and industry R&D, leading to the synthesis of aerogels from a variety of materials for a rapidly expanding range of applications. However, both from the research side, and certainly from a market perspective, thermal insulation remains the dominant application. Unfortunately, continued progress in this area suffers from the proliferation of incorrect thermal conductivity data, with values that often are far outside of what is possible within the physical limitations. This loss of credibility in reported thermal conductivity data poses difficulties in comparing the thermal performance of different types of aerogels and other thermal superinsulators, may set back further scientific progress, and hinder technology transfer to industry and society. Here, we have compiled 519 thermal conductivity results from 87 research papers, encompassing silica, other inorganic, biopolymer and synthetic polymer aerogels, to highlight the extent of the problem. Thermal conductivity data outside of what is physically possible are common, even in high profile journals and from the world’s best universities and institutes. Both steady-state and transient methods can provide accurate thermal conductivity data with proper instrumentation, suitable sample materials and experienced users, but nearly all implausible data derive from transient methods, and hot disk measurements in particular, indicating that under unfavorable circumstances, and in the context of aerogel research, transient methods are more prone to return unreliable data. Guidelines on how to acquire reliable thermal conductivity data are provided. This paper is a call to authors, reviewers, editors and readers to exercise caution and skepticism when they report, publish or interpret thermal conductivity data. Graphical Abstract

Harmonizing Sunlight and Architecture for Argema-Inspired Nanocellulose Aerogel Radiative Coolers via Energy Tailoring Strategy

“…To the best of our knowledge, the microporous structure in aerogel can reduce heat transport through the reflection and scattering of photons. The thermal conductivity of porous materials primarily comprises radiation (λrad), convection (λconv), gas conduction (λg), and solid conduction (λsol). , At room temperature, the effects of radiation are usually ignored. The porous structure we have designed in CDA provided a systematic strategy for heat transfer scaffolds.…”

“…The thermal insulation performance is also crucial for the thermal regulation capability of aerogels due to their porous structure. , To prove that the cellulose aerogels have excellent thermal insulation properties, three control groups of aerogels were also prepared: (1) CNF, (2) CNF/SA, (3) CNF/SA@CaCl 2 , and (4) CNF/SA@LiCl (CDA). All aerogels were put on a heating stage at 100 °C, and the temperature of the samples was observed with an infrared imager (during 5 min).…”