Macroporous-structured polymer aerogels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerogels with mesoporous and/or microporous structures face challenges such as collapse during processing, high production costs, and lack of mechanical durability, which hinder scalability and practical applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of macroporous-structured polymeric aerogels with a significant portion of their pore volume composed of macropores (greater than 50 nm in diameter), which are designed to minimize collapse during drying and enhance mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If mesoporous and/or microporous structured aerogels are prepared, then high porosity and high specific surface area are achieved, but pore collapse during drying and lack of mechanical durability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pore size parameter from mesoporous/microporous to macroporous structure. This parameter change fundamentally alters the mechanical properties and drying behavior of the aerogel, allowing it to maintain structural integrity while preserving high porosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining macroporous framework with embedded microporous regions. This composite approach provides both the mechanical strength of larger pores and the high surface area benefits of smaller pores, resolving the contradiction between durability and porosity.
2Area of stationary object
If mesoporous and/or microporous structured aerogels are prepared, then high specific surface area is achieved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the processing by changing the pore formation mechanism. Instead of requiring complex controlled drying processes for mesoporous structures, the macroporous approach allows for simpler drying protocols while still achieving functional aerogels with adequate surface area for many applications.
3Loss of substance
If conventional drying processes are used for mesoporous aerogels, then liquid removal is achieved, but pore collapse and xerogel formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pore size parameter to macroporous, which fundamentally alters the drying behavior. The larger pores can tolerate conventional drying processes without collapse, eliminating the need for complex supercritical or freeze drying while maintaining pore structure integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A macroporous-structured polymeric aerogel, and methods for making and using the same, having a polymeric matrix that includes macropores is disclosed.