Laminated Structural Engineering Strategy toward Carbon Nanotube-Based Aerogel Films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Low-density aerogel films are valuable for lightweight applications but lack optimized structural design for performance.
• Enhancing the performance of aerogel films requires innovative structural engineering strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a laminated structural engineering strategy for carbon nanotube (CNT)-based aerogel films.
• To improve the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of aerogel films.

Main Methods:

• Prepared free-standing CNT-based aerogel films using a laminated structural engineering strategy.
• Employed directional densification and carbonization to create a densified laminated porous structure.
• Fabricated aramid nanofiber/carbon nanotube (ANF/CNT) hybrid aerogel films.

Main Results:

• Achieved a specific surface area of 341.9 m²/g and high electrical conductivity of 8540 S/m.
• Demonstrated an absolute specific shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) of 200647.9 dB cm²/g, the highest reported for aerogel materials.
• Exhibited exceptional Joule heating performance and adjustable wetting properties.

Conclusions:

• The laminated porous structure enhances electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness in CNT-based aerogel films.
• This structural engineering strategy offers a pathway for developing high-performance aerogel films for lightweight applications.
• The developed aerogel films show promise for EMI shielding and wearable heating applications.