Tin-Doped Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Aerogel with Decanano-Cell Structure

Abstract

Tin-doped resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogel was synthesized through immersion of tin (IV) alkoxide in RF gel and drying with supercritical carbon dioxide. The obtained density was 150-280 mg/cm3 , depending on the synthesis conditions. Despite the tin doping, the density is similar to that of undoped aerogel, implying that the shrinkage was suppressed. The cells were ∼50 nm in size, much finer than undoped RF. Such characteristics were discussed as they relate to chelate formation between tin (IV) and RF ligands.