Nanocellulose aerogels, third-generation aerogels, using abundant and sustainable cellulose as raw materials, which not only retain the characteristics of traditional aerogels, but also have the characteristics of renewable, green, non-toxic, low-cost, and biodegradable. Currently, nanocellulose aerogels have a wide range of applications in various fields, e.g., adsorption, separation, energy storage, thermal insulation, electromagnetic interference shielding, and biomedical applications[1].
Preparation
Different cellulose sources and preparation methods endow nanocellulose aerogels with different microstructures and properties. Generally, nanocellulose aerogels are prepared via three steps: i) dispersion of nanocellulose; ii) gelation of nanocellulose; iii) gel drying process.
Dispersion of nanocellulose: The presence of a large number of active hydroxyl groups on the nanocellulose surface can easily lead to self-aggregation and entanglement of nanocrystals or nanofibrils. Some negatively charged groups (e.g., carboxyl, carboxymethyl, or sulfonic) can be introduced to the nanocellulose surface to form a stable and uniform aqueous nanocellulose dispersion.
Gelation of nanocellulose: Nanocellulose aerogels usually need to undergo a gelation process, which helps maintain and enhance the three-dimensional (3D) network inside aerogels. The gelation process of nanocellulose include chemical crosslinking and physical crosslinking.
Gel drying process: The most critical step in the preparation of nanocellulose aerogels is selecting a suitable drying technique. The main drying techniques include atmospheric pressure drying, supercritical drying, and freeze drying.
Specification
| Items | Parameters |
| Catalog | GEL-NCA |
| Size | Diameter: 2 cm; height: 0.2 cm |
| Purity | 99% |
| Functional Group | -OH-O |
| Storage | Under inert gas, or sealed in 4 ℃ |
*Note: The product parameters listed on the page are for reference only, and can be adjusted according to your actual needs.
Applications
According to the Knudsen effect, when the pore size of nanocellulose aerogels is larger than the average free path of gas (70 nm), thermal conductivity will be affected as the porous structure cannot restrict gas movement. Therefore, excellent thermal insulation performance can be achieved by adjusting the pore size of nanocellulose aerogels, which offers the possibility of lightweight thermal insulation materials required by the aerospace industry.
- Environmental remediation
In nanocellulose aerogels, one main feature of the pore structure is their unique openness and interconnectivity. In this open system, a gas or liquid can easily flow from one pore to another and eventually fill the entire aerogel. Combined with their high porosity and large specific surface area, nanocellulose aerogels are ideal materials for environmental remediation such as sewage treatment.
In addition to thermal insulation and environmental remediation, nanocellulose aerogels can also be used in energy storage, sensors, biomedicine, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, etc.
Why Choose Us?
Alfa Chemistry is proud to offer high quality nanocellulose aerogels to our customers. In addition, you can customize the product in different sizes, morphologies and densities according to your actual needs. Just call us if you need help, and we will deliver the product on time and under budget.
Reference
- Chen, Y.; et al. Recent progress on nanocellulose aerogels: preparation, modification, composite fabrication, applications. Advanced Materials. 2021, 11(33): 2005569.
Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.
