Silica Aerogel Powder Research Articles

Developing Lightweight Silanized Cellulose Ultramaterials as the Strongest Engineered Aerogel

AbstractSilica aerogel materials exhibit exceptional properties, including unique light, heat, fluid, and ion characteristics with vast potential. Despite similarities in composition to glass, silica aerogel lacks ductility and is prone to breakage upon impact. Therefore, the development of advanced engineering aerogel ultra materials that combine the mechanical strength of engineered materials with the ultralight superinsulation of aerogels remains a significant challenge. Herein, a multidimensional and multiscale gradient‐pore strategy is proposed for the scalable production of nanostructured silanized cellulose (SiCell) nanofibrous frameworks through colloidal self‐assembly using an active earth‐abundant biopolymer from the wood as a functional component. The configuration of the SiCell/polymer‐crosslinked silica‐aerogel‐powder (SiAP)‐locked structure creates a regional framework that forms SiCell/polymer‐crosslinked SiAP‐locked aerogels (SiCSiPA) with a 3D nanoporous architecture. With an ultralow thermal conductivity of 15.9 mW m−1 K−1, the lightweight super insulating SiCSiPA emerges as a prime candidate for thermal insulation, offering exceptional strength for practical applications. Moreover, SiCSiPA exhibits superior strength, stiffness, and toughness, making it the best insulating material. Owing to its outstanding strength‐to‐weight ratio and robust thermomechanical stability, SiCSiPA introduces a new technology for lightweight construction applications requiring superior thermal insulation.

Temperature-irrelevant superhydrophobic polyimide–SiO2 aerogels with a confined shrinkage strategy for high-temperature thermal protection (>400 °C)

Polyimide (PI) aerogels often experience substantial volume shrinkage when exposed to temperatures above 200 °C. Furthermore, research regarding the hydrophobic characteristics of PI aerogels under high-temperature conditions is limited. Herein, a confined shrinkage strategy was proposed, and the PI–SiO2 aerogels were prepared with ultralow thermal shrinkage and high-temperature superhydrophobic properties. Micrometer-sized silica aerogel powders were used in this strategy as shrinkage inhibitors during the production of PI aerogels. The silica aerogel powders were then pulled together using the PI chain and braced to each other, limiting the shrinkage of the PI aerogel matrix attached to the powders. Results indicated that the prepared aerogel experienced a shrinkage of only 6.2 % after heat treatment at 400 °C for 1 h in a muffle furnace. The surface area of the sample decreased from 669 m2/g to 649 m2/g after heat treatment, revealing a reduction of only 2.7 %. Previous studies have never reported this remarkable thermal stability. Furthermore, the aerogel exhibited superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle of 157.4° and a water rolling angle of approximately 0° at 300 °C due to its high surface roughness.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of an Energy-Efficient Cement Composite Incorporating Silica Aerogel

The thermal performance of the building envelope is significant in energy-efficient construction. Because concrete is widely used in civil engineering, options to reduce its R-value should be considered. This study explores the thermal and structural properties of aerogel-enhanced concrete. Silica aerogel powder was mixed with fine-grained concrete at 15 vol.%. Two series of samples were prepared to identify the preferred technology. The first series of samples were mixed without isopropyl alcohol; for the second series, the alcohol was mixed with silica aerogel before mixing into the dry mix. The thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and bending resistance of the specimens were measured. The presence of silica aerogel admix resulted in a decrease in the compressive strength of the specimens by 30% compared with that of the reference samples and a reduction in the bending strength of the samples by 9% compared with that of the reference samples. For the first and second series of samples, the K-values of the aerogel-enhanced specimens varied in the range from 0.83 W/(m·K) to 1.13 W/(m·K), respectively. To further decrease the thermal conductivity, gypsum putty was then added to the specimens, resulting in the K-values further decreasing to 0.64 W/(m·K) and 0.84 W/(m·K), respectively. The calculation of heat losses through 1 m2 of the aerogel-enhanced concrete wall was performed. It has been shown that energy expenses for heating can be lowered by 30%. The calculation of the greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fuel required for heating was also considered. The emissions decreased by 30.2% compared with the reference sample. Microscopic examination of the face and section surfaces of the sample revealed a significant number of pores compared with conventional fine-grain concrete.

A sustainable packaging composite of waste paper and poly(butylene succinate-co-lactate) with high biodegradability

The challenge of global climate change has drawn people's attention to the issue of carbon emissions. Reducing the use of petroleum-derived materials and increasing the use of biodegradable materials is a current focus of research, especially in the packaging materials industry. This study focused on the use of environmentally friendly plastics and waste paper as the main materials for packaging films. Poly(butylene succinate-co-lactate) (PBSL) was modified with maleic anhydride (MA) to form a biobased compatibilizer (MPBSL), which was then blended with a mixture (WPS) of waste-paper powder (WP) and silica aerogel powder (SP) to form the designed composite (MPBSL/WPS). The modification of PBSL with MA improved interfacial adhesion between PBSL and WPS. The structure, thermal, and mechanical properties, water vapor/oxygen barrier, toxicity, freshness, and biodegradability of MPBSL/WPS films were evaluated. Compared with the PBSL/WP film, the MPBSL/WPS film exhibited increased tensile strength at break of 4–13.5 MPa, increased initial decomposition loss at 5 wt% of 14–35 °C, and decreased water/oxygen permeabilities of 18–105 cm3/m2·d·Pa. In the water absorption test, the MPBSL/WPS film displayed about 2–6 % lower water absorption than that of the PBSL/WP film. In the cytocompatibility test, both MPBSL/WPS and PBSL/WP membrane were nontoxic. In addition, compared with PBSL/WP film and the control, the MPBSL/WPS film significantly reduced moisture loss, extended the shelf life, and prevented microbial growth in vegetable and meat preservation tests. Both MPBSL/WPS and PBSL/WP films were biodegradable in a 60-day soil biodegradation test; the degradation rate was 50 % when the WP or WPS content was 40 wt%. Our findings indicate that the composites would be suitable for environmentally sustainable packaging materials.

Luminescence of Binary-Doped Silica Aerogel Powders: A Two-Step Sol-Gel Approach.

In this study, we report a novel synthesis of hydrophobic silica aerogel powder composites, functionalized and binary-doped with [Tb(phen)2](NO3)3 and [Eu(phen)2](NO3)3 nanocrystals, employing a two-step sol-gel methodology. The investigation delves into the structural elucidation, optical properties and thermal conductivity of these functionalized Tb(III)-Eu(III) composites. Our analysis includes diffuse reflectance spectra and excitation and luminescence spectra, highlighting the quantum yields of composites with varying chemical compositions. Remarkably, these samples exhibit a strong luminescence, with distinct hues of red or green based on the specific doping type and level. The detailed examination of excitation spectra and quantum yields establishes robust energy-transfer mechanisms from the 1,10-phenanthroline molecule to the lanthanide ions. Notably, our study uncovers a Tb3⁺→Eu3⁺ energy-transfer phenomenon within the binary functionalized samples, providing compelling evidence for a structural formation process occurring within the mesoporous framework of the aerogel powders.

Fire-resistant polyimide-silica aerogel composite aerogels with low shrinkage, low density and high hydrophobicity for aerospace applications

Polyimide (PI)-silica aerogel composite aerogels with low shrinkage (3.7%), low density (0.061 g/cm3), low thermal conductivity (0.0216 W m−1 K−1), high hydrophobicity (146°) and good fire resistance were prepared by incorporating silica aerogel powders into PI matrix. The properties of the aerogels are affected by the type and content of silica aerogel powders. The samples show high compressibility, and the stress at 80% strain increases with the increase of silica aerogel powder content. The addition of inorganic silica aerogel powders (ISAp) can improve the thermal stability of the aerogel and the fire resistance and structural integrity of the sample under flame, but has adverse effect on moisture resistance. While the addition of polyvinylpolymethylsiloxane aerogel powders (PAp) improves the moisture resistance of the aerogel but weakens the thermal stability and fire resistance. The introduction of both ISAp and PAp can reduce the thermal conductivity of the aerogel, and the samples exhibit good thermal insulation performance. Furthermore, ground equivalent simulation tests were carried out to verify the adaptability of these aerogels in the space environment. The sample meets the standard requirements and shows stable structure and performance during the tests, which proves its potential application in the aerospace field.

Uniform pore structure silica aerogel powders prepared by pore repair method

Uniform pore structure silica aerogel powders prepared by pore repair method

Production and Characterization of Calcium Silica Aerogel Powder as a Food Additive.

In this study, mesoporous calcium silica aerogels were produced for use as an anticaking food additive in powdered foods. A low-cost precursor (sodium silicate) was used, and calcium silica aerogels with superior properties were obtained with different pH values (pH 7.0 and pH 9.0) by modeling and optimizing the production process. The Si/Ca molar ratio, reaction time, and aging temperature were determined as independent variables, and their effects and interactions to maximize the surface area and water vapor adsorption capacity (WVAC) were evaluated by response surface methodology and analysis of variance. Responses were fitted with a quadratic regression model to find optimal production conditions. Model results showed that the maximum surface area and WVAC of the calcium silica aerogel that was produced with pH 7.0 were achieved at a Si/Ca molar ratio of 2.42, a reaction time of 5 min, and an aging temperature of 25 °C. The surface area and WVAC of calcium silica aerogel powder produced with these parameters were found to be 198 m2/g and 17.56%, respectively. According to the results of surface area and elemental analysis, calcium silica aerogel powder produced at pH 7.0 (CSA7) had the best results compared to that produced at pH 9.0 (CSA9). Therefore, detailed characterization methods were examined for this aerogel. The morphological review of the particles was performed with scanning electron microscopy. Elemental analysis was performed via inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. True density was measured in a helium pycnometer, and tapped density was calculated by the tapped method. Porosity was calculated using an equation using these two density values. The rock salt was powdered with a grinder and used as a model food for this study, and CSA7 was added at a rate of 1% by weight. The results showed that adding CSA7 powder to the rock salt powder at a rate of 1% (w/w) improved the flow behavior from the cohesive region to the easy-flow region. Consequently, calcium silica aerogel powder with a high surface area and high WVAC might be considered as an anticaking agent to use in powdered foods.

Application of Silica Aerogel Films to the Fabrication of Surface Acoustic Wave Filters

Herein, silica aerogel films were used in the fabrication of surface acoustic wave(SAW) filters for the first time. Firstly, silica aerogel films with various silica sol driptimes were prepared and characterized. According to spectroscopic ellipsometry, therefractive index of an aerogel film with a silica sol drip time of 9 min decreased by5.9% compared with a film with sol drip time of 18 min in the intermediate region ofthe sample. The increase in sol drip time led to an increase in particle size andthickness, and a decrease in pore size. Secondly, four different types of SAW filterswere designed, i.e. covered with either air, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), PDMSfilled with silica aerogel powder, or a silica aerogel film. Addition of silica aerogelpowder to PDMS increased the bandwidth of the resulting SAW filter to 2.362 MHz,increased its central frequency to 0.001 GHz and decreased its insertion loss to 1.545dB. Although they had low porosity, the SAW filters covered with silica aerogel filmshad a bandwidth of 60.586 MHz, a central frequency of 2.447 GHz, a Q value of 40.073, and the largest insertion loss of –15.397 dB. SAW filters with silica aerogel films withvarious sol drip times were also tested. The results indicated that more porous thesilica aerogel films, stronger is the signal strength and smaller is the insertion lossof the SAW filter.

Ligand‐Free CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots in Silica‐Aerogel Composites with Enhanced Stability for w‐LED and Display by Substituting Pb2+ with Pr3+ or Gd3+ Ions

AbstractColloidal all‐inorganic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (LHP NCs) feature with tunable high‐efficiency photoluminescence from blue to red for optoelectronic applications but suffer from instability under water moisture, UV light illumination, high‐temperature shock, as well as oxygen erosion. Previous work to improve LHP NCs stability was mainly focused on either glass bulk sealed LHP quantum dots (QDs) with low quantum efficiency, or mesoporous silica matrixes confined LHP QDs with organic ligands still existing. Here, a facile, noncolloidal, ligand‐free LHP QDs growth with physical confinement is proposed by integrating the growth of perovskite QDs with the fabrication process of hydrophobic silica‐aerogel powders (SAPs). As a result, the as‐synthesized mono‐ and mixed‐cesium‐lead‐halide QDs @ SAPs composites show tunable photoluminescence from purple to deep red. Besides, the Pr3+ ions doped CsPbBr3 QDs @ SAPs composites exhibit moderate quantum efficiency, excellent stability under UV illumination, water moisture as well as temperature variation. Furthermore, performances of white LED device encapsulated Pr3+ doped composite with blue GaN chip and commercial red (Sr, Ca)AlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphor are evaluated. This work demonstrates a facile and general strategy for synthesizing high‐stable all‐inorganic cesium‐lead‐halide QDs for applications in white LED and display devices.

Characterization and functionality of nanocomposite mats containing polyester, seashell, and silica aerogel using an electrospinning fabrication approach

Heat regulation and water resistance patterns are of great interest to the membrane industry. Herein, blends of environmentally friendly composites of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) modified with acrylic acid (MPBAT) and a mixed complex of silica aerogel powder (SAP) and seashell (oyster shell) [hereafter referred to as TSAP] nanocomposites were fabricated using an electrospinning process to create 100–500-nm antimicrobial fibers. The structure and functionality of the nanofiber mats were characterized. The PBAT mats showed high water absorption (lower water contact angle), poor thermal conductivity, and no antimicrobial activity. Compared with PBAT and PBAT/SAP mats, MPBAT/TSAP mats showed lower water absorption (higher water contact angle), better thermal conductivity, and good antimicrobial activity. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate fabrics coated with PBAT/SAP and MPBAT/TSAP mats were prepared; the fabrics exhibited good heat regulation. MPBAT/TSAP nanofiber mats showed good tensile strength and heat insulation capability, as well as water resistance and antimicrobial properties. The developed MPBAT/TSAP nanofibers can be mass-produced and are suitable for membrane products requiring variable degrees of heat regulation and antimicrobial protection.

Preparation and Characterization of Polylactic Acid/Bamboo Fiber Composites.

The development of green and renewable materials has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Hence, biocomposite-based packaging materials have been investigated to replace petrochemical materials in several industries, such as the food packaging and electronics packaging industries. The tensile and thermal properties of biocomposite-based packaging materials composed of polylactic acid and plant fiber were mainly investigated in the current literature, but fewer studies on the improvement of water resistance and water vapor/oxygen barrier properties of composite materials were performed. Herein, we describe a composite film comprising TBFP [a mixture of bamboo fiber powder (BFP) and silica aerogel powder] that was combined with modified polylactic acid (MPLA) in a melt-mixing process. The structure, morphology, tensile strength, thermal properties, water absorption properties, water vapor/oxygen barrier effect, cytocompatibility, and biodegradability of the composites were characterized. MPLA and TBFP improved the properties of these composites. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction spectra have shown interfacial adhesion of MPLA/TBFP, resulting in a tighter structure. Hence, the MPLA/TBFP composite had higher elongation at failure (ε), tensile strength at failure (δ), Young's modulus (E), initial decomposition temperature at 5 wt % loss (T5%), residual yields, oxygen transmission rate, contact angles, lower thermal conductivity (k) values, water vapor transmission rate, and water absorption and biodegradability compared with PLA and PLA/BFP. It indicates that the MPLA/TBFP composites exhibited more favorable tensile strength, water resistance, and water vapor/oxygen barrier than the PLA and PLA/BFP composites. Cell growth analysis showed that the MPLA/TBFP and PLA/BFP composites own good cytocompatibility. Moreover, the biodegradability of the PLA/BFP and MPLA/TBFP composites increased with the filler (BFP or TBFP) concentration. Because of these improvements in their properties, composites can be used as packing materials in many perspectives.

Ambient-Dried Silica Aerogel Powders Derived from Coal Gangue by Using One-Pot Method.

In this paper, we report a new and convenient method for the synthesis of insulating aerogel by recycling solid waste coal gangue, which can reduce the industrial production cost of silica aerogels and realize high value-added utilization of solid waste. Sodium silicate was prepared from a cheap industrial waste coal gangue as the precursor for silica aerogels, which was used for silica wet gel preparation by a one pot method; this method of solvent exchange/surface modification was carried out quickly by mechanical stirring process, and the wet gels derived from coal gangue were dried under ambient pressure condition. A high surface area (~748 m2/g) nanostructured aerogel with a 3D open porous microstructure was synthesized, which exhibits a low density (~0.18 g/cm3) and a superior thermal insulation performance (~0.033 W·m−1·K−1). More significantly, the synthetic yield of silica aerogel powder by recycling coal gangue can reach 92%.

Development of water-based thermal insulation paints using silica aerogel made from incineration bottom ash

In this work, silica aerogel (SA) powder is fabricated through a sustainable method from incineration bottom ash. The fabricated SA has a low thermal conductivity of 0.025 W/mK, high surface area of 786 m2/g, and high porosity of 96.36%. The thermal analysis of SA powder shows it has a stable hydrophobicity up to 418 °C. The SA powder has been mixed into water-based paints to develop a high efficient thermal insulation paint with inproved thermal insulaton properties. Different percentage of SA were mixed into the paint samples to prepare the silica aerogel thermal insulation paint (SATIP) and their physical properties were studied. The SATIP samples were then coated on cement board substrates. The thermal conductivity, water resistance, durability and insulation performance of the samples were investigated and evaluated systematically. The scrub resistance of SATIP can be improved significantly by 219% after adding 5 vol% SA powder. And by adding 20 vol% of SA into the SATIP, it achieves up to 12 °C surface temperature reduction improvement compare to the one without SA on the heated plate at 60 °C, and 1 °C in-chamber temperature reduction with external temperature of 44.6 °C. The spectral reflectance analysis demonstrates that the improvement of the thermal insulation performance of the SATIP is attributed to the thermal insulation property of SA and proves that the developed SATIP is color insensitive and has wider applications. The results demonstrated a low-cost and scalable process fabricates SA with superor properties. The developed SATIP has a great potential for application in sustainable and green buildings for energy saving.

Inhibition characteristics of a novel PAM/SA-Ca(OH)2 composite inhibitor to control coal spontaneous combustion

In order to overcome the short service life of existing inhibitors, the physical inhibitor polyacrylamide (PAM) and the nanomaterial silica aerogel powder (SA) were selected to intercalate a composite inhibitor. The product was a polymer-based composite (PAM/SA). Thereafter, PAM/SA was combined with the chemical inhibitor Ca(OH)2 to form a polymer-based composite inhibitor. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a significant increase in the number of folds and pores on the surface of PAM/SA. Through differential scanning calorimetry, it can be concluded that the thermal stability of PAM/SA was improved, and its glass transition temperature increased from 159 °C to 197 °C. In a thermogravimetric analysis, all characteristic temperature points of the coal samples treated with a composite inhibitor were found to have increased as compared to those treated with a single inhibitor. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the optimal ratio of PAM/SA to Ca(OH)2 was 1:1, and the activation energy of the treated coal sample increased from 326.74 KJ·mol−1 to 510.89 KJ·mol−1. Through infrared spectroscopy, it was found that inhibition treatment can reduce reactive groups, such as hydroxyl and aliphatic hydrocarbons, and increase stable structural ether bonds. The above results show that a polymer-based composite inhibitor prepared using the intercalation method can better inhibit the coal spontaneous combustion.

Thermal Gelation for Synthesis of Surface-Modified Silica Aerogel Powders.

A spherical silica aerogel powder with hydrophobic surfaces displaying a water contact angle of 147° was synthesized from a water glass-in-hexane emulsion through ambient pressure drying. Water glass droplets containing acetic acid and ethyl alcohol were stabilized in n-hexane with a surfactant. Gelation was performed by heating the droplets, followed by solvent exchange and surface modification using a hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS)/n-hexane solution. The pH of the silicic acid solution was crucial in obtaining a highly porous silica aerogel powder with a spherical morphology. The thermal conductivity, tapped density, pore volume, and BET surface area of the silica aerogel powder were 22.4 mW·m−1K−1, 0.07 g·cm−3, 4.64 cm3·g−1, and 989 m2·g−1, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy analysis showed that the silica granule surface was modified by Si-CH3 groups, producing a hydrophobic aerogel.

Benign design intumescent flame-retarding aliphatic waterborne polyester coatings modified by precipitated silica aerogel and aluminum powder

The organic-inorganic hybrid intumescent flame retardant coatings (IFRCs) is an efficient and ecological strategy to obtain excellent fireproof performance. The benign design on aliphatic waterborne polyester (AWP)-based IFRCs is modified by silicon-based aerogels and aluminum powder simultaneously, which is characterized by various techniques to explore the flame retardant mechanism. The results show that an appropriate precipitated silica aerogel (0.45 wt%) and aluminum powder (0.8 wt%) impart synergetic flame-retarding and smoke suppression effect to the AWP-based IFRCs, evidenced by the reduced fire growth index of 0.50 from 0.63 kW m−2 s−1, as well as the raised flame retardancy index of 2.52 from 1. Because the labyrinth barrier effect of amorphous silica-alumina gels derives from the in-situ cross-linking between the active Si(OH)4 and AlOOH or Al(OH)3, as well as the enhanced adhesive property between silanols and plywood surface, which facilitates the ceramic-like charring of AWP-based IFRCs, leading to the formation of continuous and tortuous char. It expands the design methods and flame-retarding mechanism of ecological organic-inorganic hybrid IFRCs.

Preparation and Characterization of Lithium Ion Conductive Organic/Inorganic Composite Solid Electrolyte.

The purpose of this study was to improve the ionic conductivity and physical properties of a polymer electrolyte by complexing it with ceramic particles. First, a polymer/ceramic composite solid electrolyte was prepared by synthesizing a super porous silica aerogel powder and adding it to a slurry containing a polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based polymer electrolyte; then, the electrochemical properties of electrolyte of different compositions were confirmed. PEO and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were copolymerized, the optimum ratio of lithium salt, plasticizer, and silica aerogel was determined, and ion conductivity of the composite electrolyte was improved. When the EO:Li ratio was 10:1, the glass transition temperature was the lowest, and the room-temperature ion conductivity was improved to 3.0 × 10-5 S/cm. As a result of XRD and thermal analysis, it was confirmed that the stability and durability of the electrolyte interface can also be improved by complexation of the polymer electrolyte with ceramic particles.

Enhancing the Fire Safety and Smoke Safety of Bio-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foam via Inserting a Reactive Flame Retardant Containing P@N and Blending Silica Aerogel Powder.

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) are widely used in many fields, but they are easy to burn and produce a lot of smoke, which seriously endangers the safety of people’s lives and property. In this study, tetraethyl(1,5–bis(bis(2–hydroxypropyl)amino)pentane–1,5–diyl)bis(phosphonate) (TBPBP), as a phosphorus–nitrogen–containing reactive–type flame retardant, was successfully synthesized and employed to enhance the flame retardancy of RPUFs, and silica aerogel (SA) powder was utilized to reduce harmful fumes. Castor oil–based rigid polyurethane foam containing SA powder and TBPBP was named RPUF–T45@SA20. Compared with neat RPUF, the obtained RPUF–T45@SA20 greatly improved with the compressive strength properties and the LOI value increased by 93.64% and 44.27%, respectively, and reached the V–0 rank of UL–94 testing. The total heat release (THR) and total smoke production (TSP) of RPUF–T45@SA20 were, respectively, reduced by 44.66% and 51.89% compared to those of the neat RPUF. A possible flame–retardant mechanism of RPUF–T45@SA20 was also proposed. This study suggested that RPUF incorporated with TBPBP and SA powder is a prosperous potential composite for fire and smoke safety as a building insulation material.

Performance regulation of silica aerogel powder synthesized by a two-step Sol-gel process with a fast ambient pressure drying route

This paper proposed a timesaving route for preparing silica aerogel powder with TEOS as a precursor. Thermal insulating super hydrophobic silica aerogel powder was synthesized by combining two-step Sol-gel reaction with a fast ambient pressure drying process. Silica Sol-gel was formed after catalytic reaction by oxalic acid and NH4OH, and then turned to be hydrophobic aerogel through further surface modification (only three hours with no solvent exchange process) and drying process. By optimizing every tiny trace of synthetic component, the obtained silica aerogel powder exhibits excellent properties, such as low apparent density (0.212 g/cm3) and thermal conductivity (0.053 W/mK), as well as high BET surface area (769.86 m2/g) and water contact angle (149.0 °). This work presents a timesaving method for synthesizing thermal insulating hydrophobic silica aerogel powder.