Optimization of Alumina and Aluminosilicate Aerogel Structure for High-Temperature Performance

Alumina and aluminosilicate aerogels offer potential for use at temperatures above 700 degrees C, where silica aerogels begin to sinter. Stability of alumina and aluminosilicate pore structures at high temperatures is governed by the starting aerogel structure, which, in turn is controlled by the synthesis route. Structure, morphology, and crystallization behavior are compared for aerogels synthesized from AlCl3 and propylene oxide with those synthesized from a variety of boehmite precursors. The aerogels possessing a crystalline boehmite structure in the as-synthesized condition retained mesoporous structures to temperatures of 1200 degrees C, while the AlCl3-derived aerogels, although exhibiting higher as-synthesized surface areas, crystallized and densified at 980-1005 degrees C.