Three-dimensional Patterning Super-Black Silica-Based Nanocomposite Aerogels

Abstract

Highlights: The 3D printed aerogel has an ultra-low thermal conductivity (15.8 mW m–1 K–1), make it an ideal insulation material in extreme environment (The surface temperature of a 1 cm thickness green body maintained at ≈60 °C after being placed at 300 °C for 30 min). The super-black silica-carbon aerogel exhibits surprising light absorption feature (as high as 99.56%), and shows rapid evaporation rate (2.25 kg m-2 h-1) and excellent energy conversion efficiency (94.2%). The combination of super-black and super-insulation features, offering immense potential for multifunctional, high-performance applications across thermal and optical domains.