Effect of sodium bicarbonate solution on methyltrimethoxysilane-derived silica aerogels dried at ambient pressure

Here we present an economical ambient pressure drying method of preparing monolithic silica aerogels from methyltrimethoxysilane precursor while using sodium bicarbonate solution as the exchanging solvent. We prepared silica aerogels with a density and a specific surface area of 0.053 g center dot cm(-3) and 423 m(2)center dot g(-1), respectively. The average pore diameter of silica aerogels is 23 nm as the pore specific volume is 1.11 cm(3)center dot g(-1). Further, the contact angle between water droplet and the surface of silica aerogels in specific condition can be as high as 166 degrees, which indicates a super-hydrophobic surface of aerogels.

Automated summary

An economical ambient pressure drying method using sodium bicarbonate solution as the exchanging solvent was presented for preparing monolithic silica aerogels. The aerogels obtained had a density of 0.053 g/cm3 and a specific surface area of 423 m2/g, with an average pore diameter of 23 nm and a pore specific volume of 1.11 cm3/g. The aerogels exhibited a super-hydrophobic surface with a contact angle as high as 166 degrees under specific conditions.