Ultra‐Compact Cellular Structured Bio‐Carbon Aerogels Supported <scp>PCM</scp> for Exceptional Thermal Insulation and Radiation Shielding for Space Applications

Integrating phase change materials (PCM) into thermal insulation materials offers a novel approach to aerospace thermal protection. Herein, we used waste biomass as a template; by selecting the appropriate carbonization temperature, we obtained carbon aerogels (CCA) with extremely high porosity (95.8%) and high pore volume. After encapsulating PEG2000, we achieved high enthalpy (137.79 J g −1 , 91% of pure PEG2000) and low thermal conductivity (0.137 W (m·K) −1 , 45% of pure PEG2000). Thanks to the rich hierarchical nano‐micro porous structure of CCA and the high latent heat of PEG2000, CCA/PEG exhibits excellent thermal insulation properties (under a heating temperature of 131 °C, the material takes 1400 s to reach its maximum temperature and can be maintained below 65 °C) and cycle performance. Additionally, irradiation destroyed the structure of CCA/PEG, leading to the degradation of PEG and the formation of other carbonyl‐containing compounds, which decreased its latent heat (4.2%) and thermal conductivity (16.1%). However, the irradiation‐resistant CCA, acting as a protective layer, minimizes the impact of irradiation on PEG2000. Instead, irradiation enhances the hierarchical porous structure of the material, ultimately improving its thermal insulation performance. CCA/PEG has potential application prospects in thermal protection and aerospace and is a strong competitor for high‐efficiency thermal insulation materials.

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Publication Details

Journal
Energy & environment materials
Published
2025-05-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/eem2.70042
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Aerogels and thermal insulation
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
4.54

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article

Ultra‐Compact Cellular Structured Bio‐Carbon Aerogels Supported PCM for Exceptional Thermal Insulation and Radiation Shielding for Space Applications

Yanhui Feng, Zihao Zhao, Daili Feng, Xinxin Zhang
6 citations
Energy & environment materials
Aerogels and thermal insulation
4.54
article

Ultra‐Compact Cellular Structured Bio‐Carbon Aerogels Supported PCM for Exceptional Thermal Insulation and Radiation Shielding for Space Applications

Yanhui Feng, Zihao Zhao, Daili Feng, Xinxin Zhang
article en
6 citations

Abstract

Integrating phase change materials (PCM) into thermal insulation materials offers a novel approach to aerospace thermal protection. Herein, we used waste biomass as a template; by selecting the appropriate carbonization temperature, we obtained carbon aerogels (CCA) with extremely high porosity (95.8%) and high pore volume. After encapsulating PEG2000, we achieved high enthalpy (137.79 J g −1 , 91% of pure PEG2000) and low thermal conductivity (0.137 W (m·K) −1 , 45% of pure PEG2000). Thanks to the rich hierarchical nano‐micro porous structure of CCA and the high latent heat of PEG2000, CCA/PEG exhibits excellent thermal insulation properties (under a heating temperature of 131 °C, the material takes 1400 s to reach its maximum temperature and can be maintained below 65 °C) and cycle performance. Additionally, irradiation destroyed the structure of CCA/PEG, leading to the degradation of PEG and the formation of other carbonyl‐containing compounds, which decreased its latent heat (4.2%) and thermal conductivity (16.1%). However, the irradiation‐resistant CCA, acting as a protective layer, minimizes the impact of irradiation on PEG2000. Instead, irradiation enhances the hierarchical porous structure of the material, ultimately improving its thermal insulation performance. CCA/PEG has potential application prospects in thermal protection and aerospace and is a strong competitor for high‐efficiency thermal insulation materials.

Energy & environment materialsVol. 8(5)
University of Science and Technology Beijing (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Aerogels and thermal insulation
4.54
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