Activation–retardation in sol–gel reactions for additive manufacturing of transparent poly(methylsilsesquioxane) aerogels

作者：Meng-Yue Gao, Junyan Zhang, Chengjian Xu, Xiaoxiao Yu, Linfeng Chen, Junjie Zheng, Weiwei Zuo, Xinhai Zhang, Yanhua Cheng, Meifang Zhu · 发表于：Nature Communications · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1038/s41467-025-63356-8 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Aerogels and thermal insulation、Silicone and Siloxane Chemistry、Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity

Coupling superior thermal insulation performance with high transparency for solar transmission and excellent processability in aerogels is a challenging yet promising subject. Here, we report a direct ink writing strategy to create transparent polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) aerogels from gel inks with desired rheology, by merely using acid-base dual modulators to achieve “activation–retardation” of polycondensation reaction. The printed aerogels are pure PMSQ, have a transmittance of 97% in the visible-near infrared range, thermal conductivity (16.2 mW m−1 K−1) lower than that of still air, and low density (0.08 g cm−3). We demonstrate new possibilities of our 3D-printed transparent aerogels, such as device encapsulation for heat insulation and cylindrical cooling shields for lighting. Authors report a direct ink writing strategy to create transparent polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogels from gel inks with desired rheology, using acid-base dual modulators to achieve “activation–retardation” of polycondensation reaction.