Superelastic Polymer Aerogel with Superamphiphilicity.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Elastic aerogels are typically made from rigid materials.
• Existing elastic aerogels are fabricated by controlling their shape.
• There is a need for novel elastic aerogels with enhanced properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel elastic aerogel from polymer elastomers with entropy elasticity.
• To investigate the superelastic and superamphiphilic properties of the novel aerogel.
• To explore applications in phase-change composites and solar-driven desalination.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of aerogel using cross-linked carboxyl nitrile rubber nanoparticles dispersed in a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer.
• Characterization of the micro-nano surface structure and properties (superelasticity, superamphilicity).
• Preparation and testing of a leak-free phase-change composite and a solar-driven desalination evaporator.

Main Results:

• The novel aerogel exhibits superelasticity and superamphilicity due to its unique micro-nano surface structure.
• The phase-change composite demonstrates improved thermal stability.
• The desalination evaporator achieved an exceptional evaporation rate (2.78 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹) and efficiency (170%) without expensive light-absorbing materials.

Conclusions:

• The developed polymer elastomer aerogel offers a new platform for advanced materials.
• The aerogel's properties enable efficient and cost-effective phase-change thermal storage and solar water desalination.
• The recyclability of the aerogel further enhances its practical applicability.