Ultralight Magnetic Nanofibrous GdPO₄ Aerogel

Anisotropic aerogels are promising bulk materials with a porous 3D structure, best known for their large surface area, low density, and extremely low thermal conductivity. Herein, we report the synthesis and some properties of ultralight magnetic nanofibrous GdPO₄ aerogels. Our proposed GdPO₄ aerogel synthesis route is eco-friendly and does not require any harsh precursors or conditions. The most common route for magnetic aerogel preparation is the introduction of magnetic nanoparticles into the structure during the synthesis procedure. However, the nanofibrous GdPO₄ aerogel reported in this work is magnetic by itself already and no additives are required. The hydrogel used for nanofibrous GdPO₄ aerogel preparation was synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The hydrogel was freeze-dried and heat-treated to induce a phase transformation from the nonmagnetic trigonal to magnetic monoclinic phase. Density of the obtained magnetic nanofibrous monoclinic GdPO₄ aerogel is only ca. 8 mg/cm³.