Gradient nanofiber aerogels for extreme cryogenic and thermal environments.

ABSTRACT: Striking a balance between sensitivity and detection range while ensuring stability under extreme temperatures remains a formidable challenge in the design of flexible pressure sensors. To address this issue, we draw inspiration from the multi-gradient architectures of nature and propose a bottom-up self-assembly strategy. By leveraging a meticulously orchestrated multi-step approach that encompasses electrospinning, sequential freezing, and thermal imidization, we successfully fabricate a polyimide nanofiber/carbon nanotube dual-gradient aerogel with a dynamic stiffness transition from flexible to rigid states. Experimental results highlight notable properties of the dual-gradient aerogel, which exhibits an ultralow density (0.023 g cm^-3), efficient thermal insulation (28 mW m<

SUBMITTER: Li C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12820138 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature