A Nanowire Network Structure for Radiation Tolerant Ceramic Aerogels

Developing high-temperature stable aerogels capable of withstanding intense radiation is a critical challenge for advanced nuclear and aerospace applications. Conventional ceramic aerogels are brittle and suffer from densification and structural collapse under radiation, which limits their long-term reliability. This work reports a resilient SiC nanowire aerogel that overcomes these limitations. After high-energy and high-dose radiation exposure, the aerogel retains its structural integrity and strength comparable to those of its pristine state while also exhibiting exceptional shape recovery and fatigue resistance. The durability is attributed to the high stability of the SiC nanowires and the large pores within the structure, which effectively accommodate radiation-induced damage. Remarkably, the damage, including amorphization and voids, actively enhances the flexibility and strength of the nanowires by serving as stress-relief sites during nanowire deformation. The unique ceramic nanowire network structure, also demonstrated in a Si₃N₄ nanowire aerogel, opens a promising pathway for engineering next-generation radiation tolerant aerogels.