Superelastic Triple-Network Polyorganosiloxane-Based Aerogels as Transparent Thermal Superinsulators and Efficient Separators

We report new polyorganosiloxane aerogels with superhydrophobicity, high elasticity, and high bendability based on polyvinyl-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PVPDMS)/polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ). They are synthesized by a radical polymerization/co-polycondensation strategy that involves radical polymerization of vinyldimethylmethoxysilane to obtain chainlike polyvinyldimethylmethoxysilane (PVDMMS) polymers followed by hydrolytic co-polycondensation of PVDMMS polymers and methyltrimethoxysilane combined with ambient pressure drying without any post-gelation modifications. The resultant PVPDMS/PMSQ aerogels exhibit a highly tunable triple-network structure consisting of flexible inter-cross-linked hydrocarbon polymers, poly(dimethylsiloxane), and PMSQ. The aerogels with a low content of PVPDMS exhibit small pore sizes (2–80 nm), good transparency, high surface areas, and thermal superinsulation (λ = 0.0148 W m–1 K–1), while those with a high content of PVPDMS exhibit large pore sizes (100 nm–3 μm) and excellent selective absorption for organic liquids. In addition, incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) in PVPDMS/PMSQ aerogels can afford highly flexible PVPDMS/PMSQ/GO composite aerogels, which show efficient separation of three-component water/oil/dye mixtures. These aerogels are promising in the practical applications of thermal insulation, absorption/adsorption, and separation.