Reversibly Compressible Supramolecular Aerogels with Low Density and Sound Insulation Performance

Abstract

AbstractIt is still a great challenge for supramolecular materials to be used as polymer systems. Here, reversibly compressible supramolecular aerogels with low density and sound insulation performance are reported, which are exclusively composed of small molecules. It is found that the mixture of melamine and isonicotinic acid can form supramolecular hydrogel. Then it could be transformed into aerogel via a simple freeze‐drying method to allow gas to replace the position of water in the 3D network skeleton pores of the hydrogel. This supramolecular aerogel is characterized of low density (1.2 mg cm‐3), high porosity (99.9%), and no volume shrinkage. In addition, the supramolecular aerogel exhibits intrinsically elastic and strong fatigue resistance under compress loading/unloading cycles. The mechanical efficiency of the supramolecular aerogel can be maintained in a wide density range without significant stiffness degradation. Remarkably, such supramolecular aerogel can be used as a sound insulator and exhibits a good sound insulation performance. Compared with the polymeric foam insulation materials, the supramolecular aerogel is environmentally friendly, easy to be fabricated and disposed. This work demonstrates the fabrication of supramolecular aerogel and expands the application of self‐assembled supramolecular materials.