3D Printed Polyimide/Silica Composite Aerogels for Customizable Thermal Insulation from-50 °C to 1300 °C

Aerogels are widely used as thermal insulation materials because of their high porosity and low bulk density. However, the insulation performance of aerogels is limited to a narrow temperature range. Besides, the preparation of aerogel materials with precisely controlled and complex architectures is still challenging. Here, we report 3D printed polyimide/silica aerogel particle (PI/SAP) composite aerogels for thermal insulation in a wide range of temperature with customized applications. The printability and shape fidelity of 3D printed composite aerogels is improved by adding hydrophilic SAP as a rheology modifier. The resulting PI/SAP composite aerogel exhibits excellent flame-retardant properties and thermal insulation from -50 degrees C to 1300 degrees C. Moreover, the PI/SAP composite aerogel with customized shape can be applied for battery insulation at subzero temperatures, promising to be used as customizable and stable insulating materials in a variety of complex and extreme applications.