Polysaccharide-Based Aerogel Bead Production via Jet Cutting Method.

Imke Preibisch,Barbara Milow,Philipp Niemeyer,Pavel Gurikov,Yusuf Yusufoglu,Irina Smirnova

doi:10.3390/ma11081287

Imke Preibisch, Barbara Milow + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11081287

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Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop a method to produce spherical biopolymer-based aerogel particles, which is capable for scale-up in the future. Therefore, the jet cutting method is suggested. Amidated pectin, sodium alginate, and chitosan are used as a precursor (a 1–3 wt. % solution) for particle production via jet cutting. Gelation is realized via two methods: the internal setting method (using calcium carbonate particles as cross-linkers and citric and acidic acid for pH adjustment) and the diffusion method (in calcium chloride solutions). Gel particles are subjected to solvent exchange to ethanol and consequent supercritical drying with CO2. Spherical aerogel particles with narrow particle size distributions in the range of 400 to 1500 µm and a specific surface area of around 500 m2/g are produced. Overall, it can be concluded that the jet cutting method is suitable for aerogel particle production, although the shape of the particles is not perfectly spherical in all cases. However, parameter adjustment might lead to even better shaped particles in further work. Moreover, the biopolymer-based aerogel particles synthesized in this study are tested as humidity absorbers in drying units for home appliances, particularly for dishwashers. It has been shown that for several cycles of absorption and desorption of humidity, aerogel particles are stable with an absorption capacity of around 20 wt. %.

Highlights

Biopolymer-based aerogels have become increasingly important for various applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, catalysis, and cosmetics in the last decades [1,2,3,4,5]
Millimeter-sized spherical aerogel beads are used in catalysis [8]
We suggested the jet cutting method for the production of biopolymer-based aerogel particles and beads as an alternative to dripping techniques

Summary

Introduction

Biopolymer-based aerogels have become increasingly important for various applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, catalysis, and cosmetics in the last decades [1,2,3,4,5]. In many of these applications, round-shaped particles and beads with narrow particle size distributions are advantageous for handling, processing, and application requirements. Spherical shape of the particles is desired for a good flowability. Millimeter-sized spherical aerogel beads are used in catalysis [8]

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