Metal AerogelsJames AndersonPhilip DomondonNick CatelaniFall 2010Engineering 45SRJCDecember 1, 2010

What is Aerogel?

• Is essentially the solid framework of a gel

• A class of porous, solid materials that exhibit extreme material properties

http://winarco.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/aerogel-grass.jpg

Properties Extremely low

density Very good thermal

insulator High specific

surface area Lowest dielectric

constant

http://www.aerogel.org/?p=891&px=%2FClassic+Aerogel+Photos%2Ftheflower-lbl.jpg

Introducing Metal Aerogels!• Inorganic cousins of

the more common Silica Aerogel

• Until very recently, Metal Aerogels did not exist!

http://www.aerogel.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/fenanofoam-lanl.jpg

What are its properties?

High specific surface area (100-500m2/g)

Electrically conductive!

Enhanced catalytic activity

Surprisingly capable thermal insulator

http://www.aerogel.org/wp-content/uploads/cache/d07f9ffdc3be0bf80ec6052422ce9771.jpg

How is metal aerogel made?• Combustion

synthesis• Dealloying• Nanosmelting

http://www.aerogel.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/fenanofoamproduction-lanl1.jpg

Applications• Hydrogen

storage• Antimicrobial

scaffolds• Magnetic

media• X-Ray optics

http://www.greenpacks.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/honda-fcx-clarity.jpg

References “Metal Aerogels.” 02 Nov 2010 <http://

www.aerogel.org/?p=932>

“What is Aerogel?” 11 Nov 2010 <http://www.aerogel.org/?p=3