Mechanically Robust and Thermal Insulating Silica/Aramid Nanofiber Composite Aerogel Fibers with Dual Networks for Fire‐Resistant and Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract Aerogel fibers, known for their lightweight and exceptional thermal insulation properties, provide an ideal material solution for fabricating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for self‐powered wearable electronics in extreme environments, such as firefighting gear. However, current aerogel fibers face limitations due to their poor mechanical properties and lack of performance stability under harsh conditions. Herein, a facile strategy for preparing silica/aramid nanofiber (ANF) composite aerogel fibers with interpenetrated dual networks and a silica‐dominant component (≈64 wt.%) is demonstrated; the unique structure and composition endow the composite aerogel fibers with high tensile strength (3.4 MPa), low thermal conductivity (0.033 W (m·K) −1 ), a large specific surface area (587 m 2 g −1 ), and outstanding fire resistance at 95% porosity, combining the best properties of both ANF and silica aerogel. Moreover, the composite aerogel fibers exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility at extremely low temperatures (−196 °C) and maintain structural integrity even when exposed to flame for up to 5 min. Leveraging these exceptional properties, composite aerogel fiber‐based TENGs show high electrical output performance before and after combustion (>94% retention). The fabrication strategy offers promising opportunities for modulating the properties and functionalities of aerogel fibers on demand, holding great potential for future applications in wearable smart protective fabrics for extreme environments.

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Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2024-08-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202410940
Citations
63
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
11.62

Funders

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article

Mechanically Robust and Thermal Insulating Silica/Aramid Nanofiber Composite Aerogel Fibers with Dual Networks for Fire‐Resistant and Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Xiangning Hu, Meifang Zhu, Zhe Qiang, Changhuai Ye et al.
63 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
11.62
article

Mechanically Robust and Thermal Insulating Silica/Aramid Nanofiber Composite Aerogel Fibers with Dual Networks for Fire‐Resistant and Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Xiangning Hu, Meifang Zhu, Zhe Qiang, Changhuai Ye, Yao Pan, Zheyi Meng, Jin Qian, Jia Li
article en
63 citations

Abstract

Abstract Aerogel fibers, known for their lightweight and exceptional thermal insulation properties, provide an ideal material solution for fabricating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for self‐powered wearable electronics in extreme environments, such as firefighting gear. However, current aerogel fibers face limitations due to their poor mechanical properties and lack of performance stability under harsh conditions. Herein, a facile strategy for preparing silica/aramid nanofiber (ANF) composite aerogel fibers with interpenetrated dual networks and a silica‐dominant component (≈64 wt.%) is demonstrated; the unique structure and composition endow the composite aerogel fibers with high tensile strength (3.4 MPa), low thermal conductivity (0.033 W (m·K) −1 ), a large specific surface area (587 m 2 g −1 ), and outstanding fire resistance at 95% porosity, combining the best properties of both ANF and silica aerogel. Moreover, the composite aerogel fibers exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility at extremely low temperatures (−196 °C) and maintain structural integrity even when exposed to flame for up to 5 min. Leveraging these exceptional properties, composite aerogel fiber‐based TENGs show high electrical output performance before and after combustion (>94% retention). The fabrication strategy offers promising opportunities for modulating the properties and functionalities of aerogel fibers on demand, holding great potential for future applications in wearable smart protective fabrics for extreme environments.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 34(52)
Donghua University (CN), University of Southern Mississippi (US)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
11.62
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