Droplet-templating soft materials into structured bead-based aerogels with compartmentalized or welded configurations

Abstract

Achieving precise control over the composition and architecture of nanomaterial-based aerogels remains a significant challenge. Here, we introduce a droplet-templating approach to engineer ultra-lightweight aerogels via the interfacial co-assembly of nanoparticles-surfactants (NPSs) at polar/apolar liquid interfaces. This approach enables the creation of aerogels with tailored compartmentalized or welded bead architectures, exhibiting multilayer, gradient, and hybrid morphologies from a range of 1D and 2D nanomaterials. By precisely controlling evaporation and freeze-drying processes, we fabricate aerogels with customizable micro-domains, without requiring chemical binders. Our approach provides a platform for developing soft materials with tunable properties, paving a new path for applications in soft matter and aerogel engineering.