3D electrospun carbon nanofibrous aerogel reinforced with SiO₂ for enhanced thermal and electrical properties

Nanofibrous aerogels are promising for thermal management and flexible electronics, yet achieving concurrent thermal stability and electrical conductivity under demanding conditions remains challenging. Here, we develop electrospun nanofibrous aerogels reinforced with silica (SiO_₂) nanoparticles and subsequently carbonized to enhance both properties. Structural integrity and thermal stability were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The carbonized nanofibrous aerogels NFC(C) exhibit markedly improved thermal stability. Its electrical conductivity reaches 1.5 S cm^-1, an 88% increase relative to the control, attributable to the carbonized nanofiber network. These findings show that SiO₂ reinforcement coupled with carbonization yields nanofibrous aerogels with both thermal resilience and high conductivity, highlighting their potential for high-performance applications. Furthermore, this study provides practical guidance for tuning composition and processing to meet the demands of harsh operating environments.