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A procedure to synthesize silica aerogels in a wide range of densities by a single-step base catalyzed recipe

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Abstract

Silicon alkoxides based synthesis of silica aerogels, could be divided into two main approaches; a single-step recipe for a fixed density, benefiting from exceptional reproducibility and simplicity; and a two-step recipe, which enables a wide range of densities, yet includes stages that could hinder reproducibility. A procedure to synthesize aerogels in a wide range of densities is reported. This procedure avoids the sources of variability affiliated with the two-step recipe, and benefits from the reproducibility and simplicity of the single-step recipe. This procedure was formulated as a result of a thorough investigation of varying the molar ratio of the precursors involved in the single-step base catalyzed recipe. Aerogels in densities ranging from 25 to 150 mg/ml were synthesized and analyzed. The analysis indicated that these aerogels have almost identical composition, skeletal structure and pore size distribution. Additionally, a strong correlation between the aerogels' intended and measured densities was achieved.

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source of silica in the single-step base catalyzed recipe. b Orthosilicic acid, a monomer after full hydrolysis. c di-ethoxy (di-hydroxy) silane, a monomer after partial hydrolysis, due to insufficient concentration of water

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Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the PAZY Excellence in Science Foundation [Grant Number 5100010098].

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  1. Soreq NRC, 81800, Yavne, Israel

    Guy Lazovski, Linoy Amar, Nurit Atar, Galit Bar & Raz Gvishi

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  1. Guy Lazovski
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Correspondence to Guy Lazovski.

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Lazovski, G., Amar, L., Atar, N. et al. A procedure to synthesize silica aerogels in a wide range of densities by a single-step base catalyzed recipe. J Porous Mater 28, 1227–1236 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10934-021-01073-5

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