From 1D to 3D – macroscopic nanowire aerogel monoliths

Abstract

Here we present a strategy to assemble one-dimensional nanostructures into a three-dimensional architecture with macroscopic size. With the assistance of centrifugation, we successfully gel ultrathin W18O49 nanowires with diameters of 1 to 2 nm and aspect ratios larger than 100 into 3D networks, which are transformed into monolithic aerogels by supercritical drying.

Multiscale Nanoparticle Assembly: From Particulate Precise Manufacturing to Colloidal Processing

“…[97] A different strategy was pursued for the fabrication of copper foam monoliths (Figure 10d). Figure 11a-c shows a photograph of a tungsten oxide aerogel made from tungsten oxide nanowires, [107] and Figure 11d-f displays a Eu-doped yttrium oxide monolith composed of yttrium oxide nanosheets. [98] After removal of the template, the hollow copper capsules were processed into different shapes by using standard techniques like slip-casting.…”

“…Accordingly, the magnetic alignment of ceramic particles within a matrix offers the possibility to control the position and orientation of the reinforcing particles to locally tailor the mechanical properties including stiffness, strength, hardness, and wear resistance. [107] Copyright 2016, The Royal Society of Chemistry. [110] Combining this approach with slip-casting, a common processing route for the fabrication of complex shaped components from particle suspensions made it possible to design bioinspired composites with intricate macroscopic shapes and locally programmed texture.…”

“…As a matter of fact, the gelation of nanowires or nanosheets represents a unique approach to transform lowdimensional nanoparticles into 3D bodies under full preservation of the anisotropy of the building blocks in the final network. Figure 11a-c shows a photograph of a tungsten oxide aerogel made from tungsten oxide nanowires, [107] and Figure 11d-f displays a Eu-doped yttrium oxide monolith composed of yttrium oxide nanosheets. [108] In the last part of this review, we will now discuss a few examples, which are rather complementary to aerogels, namely, the colloidal processing of dense composites and ceramics with a textured microstructure from suspended particles with anisotropic morphology.…”

“…Reproduced with permission. [107] Copyright 2016, The Royal Society of Chemistry. d) Photograph of a Eu-doped yttrium oxide nanosheet aerogel monolith.…”

Reticulate Dual‐Nanowire Aerogel for Multifunctional Applications: a High‐Performance Strain Sensor and a High Areal Capacity Rechargeable Anode

“…Traditional nanowire aerogels (NWAs) possess an unusual conglomeration of many useful properties: lightweight, large surface area, high electrical conductivity, and low thermal conductivity in one material system that enable them to be applied in many advanced technologies in electronics, energy generation/storage, thermal management, sensing, catalysis, etc . SNWAs have been constructed from metal (Cu, Ag, Pd) nanowires, metal oxide (TiO 2 , MnO 2 , K 2− x Mn 8 O 16 ) nanowires, and other inorganic nanowires (Silica, C, SiC) and they are all composed of single nanowires that often constrained them to a single outstanding performance in say either the mechanical strength, conductivity, or electrochemical property (capacity, stability, and rate performance for a lithium ion battery (LIB)) but unsatisfactory when their collective capabilities are considered. For example, the Cu NWAs reported by Jung et al have superior conductivity (116 S cm −1 ) but due to the weak Van der Waals forces its mechanical strength is relatively low (Young's modulus: 1.2 kPa).…”