Diamond-doped silica aerogel for solar geoengineering

Even though aerosol injection into stratosphere is one of the most promising solar geoengineering techniques, sulfate aerosols, which are suggested for such an application, show significant drawbacks as infra-red (IR) absorption and ozone degradation. The development new materials application that would exhibit substantial up-scattering, with non-IR to allow a cooling effect needed. Here, novel composite material comprised diamonds dispersed in silica aerogel network investigated compared pure aerogel. Silica aerogels ultralight, highly porous, transparent can host particles, while fulfilling particle size limitation terms potential health risks humans during respiration. Morphology both composites has been studied. diffuse reflectance diamond powders, aerogels, diamond-doped have measured comparison. Our experimental work assesses proposed concept materials, including discussion recommendations improvements synthetized materials. obtained results could stimulate further in-depth studies similar applications geoengineering.