Activation–retardation in sol–gel reactions for additive manufacturing of transparent poly(methylsilsesquioxane) aerogels
Meng-Yue Gao, Junyan Zhang, Chengjian Xu, Xiaoxiao Yu, Linfeng Chen, Junjie Zheng, Weiwei Zuo, Xinhai Zhang, Yanhua Cheng, Meifang Zhu
Abstract
Coupling superior thermal insulation performance with high transparency for solar transmission and excellent processability in aerogels is a challenging yet promising subject. Here, we report a direct ink writing strategy to create transparent polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) aerogels from gel inks with desired rheology, by merely using acid-base dual modulators to achieve “activation–retardation” of polycondensation reaction. The printed aerogels are pure PMSQ, have a transmittance of 97% in the visible-near infrared range, thermal conductivity (16.2 mW m−1 K−1) lower than that of still air, and low density (0.08 g cm−3). We demonstrate new possibilities of our 3D-printed transparent aerogels, such as device encapsulation for heat insulation and cylindrical cooling shields for lighting. Authors report a direct ink writing strategy to create transparent polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogels from gel inks with desired rheology, using acid-base dual modulators to achieve “activation–retardation” of polycondensation reaction.