Aerogels are considered ideal candidates for various applications, because of their low bulk density, highly porous nature, and functional performance. However, the time intensive nature of the complex fabrication process limits their potential application in various fields. Recently, incorporation of a fibrous network has resulted in production of aerogels with improved properties and functionalities. A facile approach is presented to fabricate hybrid sol–gel electrospun silica‐cellulose diacetate (CDA)‐based nanofibers to generate thermally and mechanically stable nanofiber aerogels. Thermal treatment results in gluing the silica‐CDA network strongly together thereby enhancing aerogel mechanical stability and hydrophobicity without compromising their highly porous nature (>98%) and low bulk density (≈10 mg cm−3). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ Fourier‐transform infrared studies demonstrate the development of strong bonds between silica and the CDA network, which result in the fabrication of cross‐linked structure responsible for their mechanical and thermal robustness and enhanced affinity for oils. Superhydrophobic nature and high oleophilicity of the hybrid aerogels enable them to be ideal candidates for oil spill cleaning, while their flame retardancy and low thermal conductivity can be explored in various applications requiring stability at high temperatures.
Polymersomes have gained a lot of attention in recent years. Their compartmentalized, hollow nature, stability and ability to transport both hydrophilic and hydrophobic cargo has made them attractive for increasingly complex applications in various fields of biomedicine, catalysis and diagnostics. Progress in these fields would therefore benefit from improvements in polymersome functionality. Recently, morphological control of polymersomes, namely the fabrication of various non‐spherical morphologies, has emerged as a means to enhance the usefulness of the polymersomes. In the present review, we highlight the most topical trends in this field and how these developments and the newly acquired knowledge about their nature can be leveraged towards applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
more » « less- Award ID(s):
- 1945092
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10451079
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Polymer International
- Volume:
- 70
- Issue:
- 7
- ISSN:
- 0959-8103
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 951-957
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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