Direct synthesis of highly stretchable ceramic nanofibrous aerogels via 3D reaction electrospinning

Abstract Ceramic aerogels are attractive for many applications due to their ultralow density, high porosity, and multifunctionalities but are limited by the typical trade-off relationship between mechanical properties and thermal stability when used in extreme environments. In this work, we designed and synthesized a unique ceramic nanofibrous aerogels with three-dimensional (3D) interwoven crimped-nanofibre structures that endow the aerogels with superior mechanical performances and high thermal stability. These ceramic aerogels were synthesized by a direct and facile route, 3D reaction electrospinning. They displayed robust structural stability with structure-derived mechanical ultra-stretchability up to 100% tensile strain and superior restoring capacity up to 40% tensile strain, 95% bending strain and 60% compressive strain, high thermal stability from -196 to 1400°C, repeatable stretchability at working temperatures up to 1300 ℃, and a low thermal conductivity of 0.0228 W m−1 K−1 in air. This work should enable the innovative design of high-performance ceramic aerogels for various applications.