Flexible ceramic nanofibrous sponges with hierarchically entangled graphene networks enable noise absorption

Noise pollution has been a burden to the global economy, environment, and human health. Here the authors demonstrate a facile route to produce flexible ceramic nanofibrous sponges with hierarchically entangled graphene networks and its excellent noise absorption properties at elevated temperatures. Traffic noise pollution has posed a huge burden to the global economy, ecological environment and human health. However, most present traffic noise reduction materials suffer from a narrow absorbing band, large weight and poor temperature resistance. Here, we demonstrate a facile strategy to create flexible ceramic nanofibrous sponges (FCNSs) with hierarchically entangled graphene networks, which integrate unique hierarchical structures of opened cells, closed-cell walls and entangled networks. Under the precondition of independent of chemical crosslinking, high enhancement in buckling and compression performances of FCNSs is achieved by forming hierarchically entangled structures in all three-dimensional space. Moreover, the FCNSs show enhanced broadband noise absorption performance (noise reduction coefficient of 0.56 in 63-6300 Hz) and lightweight feature (9.3 mg cm(-3)), together with robust temperature-invariant stability from -100 to 500 degrees C. This strategy paves the way for the design of advanced fibrous materials for highly efficient noise absorption.

Automated summary

The study introduces a flexible ceramic nanofibrous sponge material for noise absorption at high temperatures, which features hierarchically entangled graphene networks and a lighter weight. Compared to traditional materials, this material offers a wider noise absorption frequency range and better temperature stability.