Influence of 1D and 2D carbon nanostructures in silica-based aerogels

Carbon nanostructures-silica aerogel composites were synthesized and characterized to assess the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene oxide (GO) on silica properties. The sol-gel chemistry was based methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) as precursor system, with varying amounts APTMS (0–20% mol Si). significantly impacted materials' physical microstructure investigated by FTIR, NMR, TEM, SEM, SAXS BET. addition CNTs induced growth matrix around them; thus, an elongated shape observed in structural units. have a synergistic mechanical properties, increasing Young's modulus up 14 MPa. Small materials (?1 wt%) MTMS-matrix improved its thermal insulation property, particularly for temperatures above 50 °C. In terms electrochemical nanostructures lead higher specific capacitances reduction resistance. characterizations here performed allowed better understanding interactions between phases. possibility obtain tailored properties demonstrates their application potential several areas, such energy storage.