Natural fiber-based multifunctional aerogel with advanced oil absorption property and high thermal insulation performance

Abstract

Designing an ultra-light and controllable structure for multifunctionality of low-cost aerogels is of great significance but remains a huge challenge because of the limitations of structural processability and mechanical vulnerability. Herein, we demonstrated a facile approach to synthesize a low-cost, ultralight, elastic, and highly recyclable superabsorbent from renewable fibers via environmentally friendly physical bonding and freeze-drying. Our approach introduces skin-core structure polyester (SPFs) into natural agriculture plant kapok, through which fibers entanglement and bonding to construct aerogel with adjustable hierarchical structure and desirable shapes. The resultant composite aerogel can be easily modified by organosilane, demonstrating durable superhydrophobicity (158.5°), advanced absorption capacity (128.4 g/g), good mechanical performance, self-cleaning, and thermal insulating (0.020 W/(m·K)). Therefore, the sustainable and multifunctional composite fibrous porous aerogels are potential materials for oil absorption applications and thermal management.