Biopolymer Aerogels and Foams: Chemistry,Properties, and Applications |
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| Authors: | Dr Shanyu Zhao Dr Wim J Malfait M?Sc Natalia Guerrero‐Alburquerque Dr Matthias M Koebel Dr Gustav Nyström |
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| Institution: | 1. Building Energy Materials & Components Laboratory, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Dübendorf, Switzerland;2. Applied Wood Materials Laboratory, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Dübendorf, Switzerland;3. Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | Biopolymer aerogels were among the first aerogels produced, but only in the last decade has research on biopolymer and biopolymer–composite aerogels become popular, motivated by sustainability arguments, their unique and tunable properties, and ease of functionalization. Biopolymer aerogels and open‐cell foams have great potential for classical aerogel applications such as thermal insulation, as well as emerging applications in filtration, oil–water separation, CO2 capture, catalysis, and medicine. The biopolymer aerogel field today is driven forward by empirical materials discovery at the laboratory scale, but requires a firmer theoretical basis and pilot studies to close the gap to market. This Review includes a database with over 3800 biopolymer aerogel properties, evaluates the state of the biopolymer aerogel field, and critically discusses the scientific, technological, and commercial barriers to the commercialization of these exciting materials. |
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| Keywords: | aerogels gels open-cell foams porous materials surface functionalization |
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