Large-Scale Nanofiber Manufacturing| Cryopolymerization-Enabled Superelastic andThermomechanically Robust Silica-Sheathing NanofibrousAerogels for Solar-Thermal Regulatory Cooling

Prof. Liu Tianxi from Jiangnan University Adv. Funct. Mater.: Superelastic, Thermomechanically Stable Silica Nanofiber Aerogels for Solar Thermal Regulation Cooling

Challenge: Due to their unique superinsulating and solar scattering properties, aerogels show great potential in sub-ambient thermal regulation and personal thermal management under strong sunlight and high-temperature conditions. However, conventional aerogels face challenges in balancing mechanical flexibility and high-temperature stability.

Approach: Prof. Liu Tianxi from Jiangnan University and Prof. Zhang Chao from Donghua University proposed a simple and scalable low-temperature polymerization strategy to prepare superelastic and thermomechanically robust silica-sheathed nanofiber aerogels.

Innovation 1: The aerogels exhibit exceptional mechanical elasticity and thermal superinsulation, maintaining high stability even after calcination at 800°C and direct exposure to 1200°C butane flame. Through precise modulation of solar and mid-infrared light, these aerogels achieve 96.2% high solar reflectivity and 97.5% atmospheric window emissivity in extremely hot environments.

Innovation 2: As energy-efficient solar thermal regulation cooling materials, the insulating aerogels achieve a remarkable 11.4°C cooling effect in sub-ambient environments under intense sunlight and high-temperature conditions.