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Synthesis of Lightweight and High-Strength Polyimide/Gelatin Composite Aerogels: A Thermal Insulation Material for Preventing the Thermal Runaway of Lithium Batteries

  • 0School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces +

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July 7, 2025

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July 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Gelatin (GA) reinforced polyimide (PI) aerogels show improved thermal-mechanical properties. Optimized freezing rates enhance pore structure, reducing thermal conductivity and boosting mechanical strength for better lithium battery safety.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background

  • Polyimide (PI) aerogels are known for their excellent thermal and mechanical properties.
  • Enhancing these properties further is crucial for advanced applications, including energy storage.
  • Gelatin (GA) is explored as a reinforcing agent to improve PI aerogel performance.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the effects of gelatin content and freezing rate on the thermal-mechanical properties of PI aerogels.
  • To analyze the structural and compositional changes in the composite aerogels.
  • To evaluate the potential of GA-reinforced PI aerogels for thermal runaway protection in lithium batteries.

Main Methods

  • Fabrication of composite aerogels using gelatin as a reinforcing material for polyimide aerogels.
  • Systematic variation of gelatin content and freezing rates during synthesis.
  • Characterization of internal structure and chemical composition using various analytical techniques.
  • Evaluation of thermal-mechanical properties and thermal runaway protection performance.

Main Results

  • Gelatin effectively enhances the thermal-mechanical properties of polyimide aerogels.
  • An appropriate freezing rate leads to a denser pore structure, reducing thermal conductivity.
  • The composite aerogels exhibit improved mechanical properties.
  • Demonstrated significant delay in thermal runaway time for lithium batteries.

Conclusions

  • Gelatin is a viable reinforcing agent for improving polyimide aerogel performance.
  • Freezing rate is a critical parameter for tailoring aerogel microstructure and properties.
  • GA-reinforced PI aerogels show promise for enhancing the safety of lithium-ion batteries through thermal runaway mitigation.

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