Creating Biomimetic Central-Radial Skeletons with Efficient Mass Adsorption and Transport

Abstract

Porous skeletons play a crucial role in various applications. Their fundamental significance stems from their remarkable surface area and capacity to enhance mass adsorption and transport. Freeze-casting is a commonly utilized methodology for the production of porous skeletons featuring vertically aligned channels. Nevertheless, the resultant single-oriented skeleton displays anisotropic mass transfer characteristics and suboptimal mechanical properties. Our investigation was motivated by the intricate microstructures observed in botanical organisms, leading us to devise an advanced freeze-casting methodology. A novel central-radial skeleton with significantly enhanced capabilities has been successfully engineered. The central-radial architecture demonstrates superior refinement and uniformity in its pore structure, featuring an axial mass transfer axis and meticulously arranged radial channels. This microstructure endows the porous skeleton with a higher compression resilience, superior adsorption rate, and structural maintenance capacity. Through a rigorous examination of the thermal conductivity of skeleton-filled composites coupled with comprehensive COMSOL simulations, the exceptional characteristics of this unique structural arrangement have been definitively ascertained. Furthermore, the efficacy of implementing this skeleton in chip cooling and photothermal conversion has been convincingly substantiated. Our pioneering method of microstructure preparation, employing freeze-casting, holds immense potential in expanding its applicability and inspiring innovative concepts for the advancement of novel structures.