Optimization of synthesis parameters for cost effective production of hydrophobic silica aerogels

Different parameters of transparent hydrophobic silica aerogels synthesis with water glass based and ambient pressure drying are concidered. Transparent silica aerogels were obtained via solvent exchange and surface modification of wet gels using IPA and TMCS/n-Hexane solution. The effects of various parameters on synthesis of silica aerogel were investigated. Effective parameters such as solvent type and it’s amount, alcohol type and it’s amount, aging time, temperature, wet gel thickness and modification agent percentage are investigated and optimum conditions for synthesising transparent silica aerogels are extracted. The porosity, density, surface area, wettability, thermal stability, surface functional groups, pore volume and pore size distribution in optimum condition are in the range of 95%, 0.1-0.15 g/cm3, 600-900 m2/g, 143°, 380°C, hydrophobic -CH3 groups,2.38 cm3/g and 16 nm respectively. The optical characterization of the silica aerogel was performedwith a UV-VIS spectrometer that showed 70% transparency at 700 nm wavelength.

کلیدواژه ها:

Silica Aerogel ، Nanoporous ، Optimization ، Transparent ، Synthesis Parameters