Universal strategy for rapid 3D printing of aerogels

Aerogels are world-record materials, but their poor machinability limits their expansion beyond growing niche markets in thermal insulation for industry, electric mobility, and buildings. This Preview discusses a recent contribution from the group of X. Zhang, who developed a generally applicable microgel-directed suspended printing strategy for printing aerogels. Because the microgel bath supports the printed sol filaments, there are no critical rheological requirements for the aerogel ink itself, and printing is omnidirectional. This opens a window to print any low-viscosity sol and promotes a possibly universal methodology to shape aerogels and target new applications. Aerogels are world-record materials, but their poor machinability limits their expansion beyond growing niche markets in thermal insulation for industry, electric mobility, and buildings. This Preview discusses a recent contribution from the group of X. Zhang, who developed a generally applicable microgel-directed suspended printing strategy for printing aerogels. Because the microgel bath supports the printed sol filaments, there are no critical rheological requirements for the aerogel ink itself, and printing is omnidirectional. This opens a window to print any low-viscosity sol and promotes a possibly universal methodology to shape aerogels and target new applications.