Micro/nano structuring in distinct chemical compositions has demonstrated added values which could be utilized in various modern applications and products through the lens of visual arts. Silica aerogel is a prominent example of such a nanostructure, with which we recently utilized to accommodate the unique design of high jewelry. Using its natural shades and transparent layers, silica aerogel can be described by the first author, a visual artist, as an extremely beautiful and ethereal material that closely resembles a piece of sky. Ultimately silica aerogel can be exploited as a sky-like material, and has been used in numerous collaborations amongst artists and scientists to bring to life concepts, like rainbow holograms on silica aerogel dried by high-temperature supercritical drying with methanol. In this short review, we show how such collaborations the authors have been proceeding are evoking developments in science and technology as well as in design, fashion and art industries. The series of the collaborative research has been contributing to the development of quality end products by merging new technologies, novel functional materials and innovative manufacturing processes with visual arts.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10971-021-05676-x | DOI Listing |
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
January 2025
Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
This study presents the development of a solar-driven thermally regenerative electrochemical cell (STREC) for continuous power generation. Key innovations include dual-function carbon-based electrodes for efficient solar absorption and electrochemical reactions, a transparent and ultrainsulating silica aerogel to maximize solar spectrum transmission while minimizing heat loss, and a compact heat exchanger to recover heat from hot cell streams. Under 1 sun conditions, the STREC achieves a power density of 912.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNano Lett
January 2025
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
Achieving low thermal conductivity and high mechanical strength presents a material design challenge due to intrinsic trade-offs, such as the aerogel's porosity, impeding applications in construction, industry, and aerospace. This study presents a composite that incorporates a silica aerogel within a thermally expanded 2D layered vermiculite matrix. This design overcomes limitations imposed by van der Waals bonding lengths, typically less than 10 Å, which hinder aerogel integration with van der Waals crystals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGels
December 2024
School of Resource and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
This research enhances the thermal safety of hydrophobic silica aerogel (HSA) by integrating layered double oxides (LDOs). XRD and FTIR confirm that the introduction of LDOs does not affect the formation of SA. The LDO/SA composites demonstrate a low density (0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Colloid Interface Sci
December 2024
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, PR China. Electronic address:
Reducing carbon dioxide (CO) levels in the atmosphere is crucial for combating global warming. One effective strategy involves using porous materials for the combined processes of CO capture and catalytic conversion. In this study, we developed composite aerogel materials using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as templates, doped with cerium oxide, to enhance CO capture and conversion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMaterials (Basel)
November 2024
Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using a vortex microfluidic system and subsequently functionalized with a primary shell of salicylic acid, recognized for its ability to increase the stability and biocompatibility of coated materials. In the second stage, the vortex platform was placed in a magnetic field to facilitate the growth and development of a porous silica shell. The selected drug for this study was micafungin, an antifungal agent well regarded for its effectiveness in combating fungal infections and identified as a priority compound by the World Health Organization (WHO).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!