Silver nanowire-infused carbon aerogel: A multifunctional nanocellulose-derived material for personal thermal management

Personal thermal management (PTM) textiles for outdoor activities have become increasingly important for addressing energy consumption and thermal comfortable. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) aerogels have emerged as promising candidates for PTM due to the eco-friendliness, lightweight, and low thermal conductivity. However, the singular insulation capability may not be sufficient to accommodate the diverse and harsh outdoor conditions. Herein, we carbonized CNF-based aerogel to fabricate anisotropic carbon aerogels, and then incorporated silver nanowires (AgNWs) upon onside to fabricate the dual-function AgNWs/carbon aerogel. The resulting material inherits high porosity (99.3 %), high surface area (503.2 m(2)/g), low density (7.08 mg/cm(3)), and low thermal conductivity (18.2 mW center dot m(-1)center dot k(-1) in the axial direction) to act as an ideal thermal insulator. The AgNWs coating side demonstrates low IR-emissivity (17.6 % at 7-14 mu m) and the carbon aerogel side has high solar absorptivity (91.97 %). Moreover, the AgNWs/carbon aerogel shows Joule heating performance (Delta T = 44.5 degrees C within 3 min at 5 V). The multi-heating modes enabling self-adaptable thermal comfortable under various harsh environment. Additionally, the material's breathability, permeability, and electromagnetic shielding characteristics also make it suitable candidate for advanced wearable textiles for PTM.

Automated summary

Personal thermal management textiles for outdoor activities are important for energy-saving and thermal comfort. Carbonized cellulose nanofiber aerogel with silver nanowires coating shows excellent thermal insulation and heating performance. It also has low emissivity and high solar absorptivity, making it suitable for various outdoor conditions. Additionally, it possesses breathability, permeability, and electromagnetic shielding characteristics, making it a great candidate for advanced wearable textiles.