Monolithic dynamic covalent polymer aerogels with closed-loop recyclability
©Science China Press
The lightweight DCPAs possess excellent mechanical properties, such as flexibility, elasticity, processability, etc. Intriguingly, the DCPAs are able to be degraded into soluble monomers and/or dispersible oligomer due to the transimination reactions of imine bonds. Furthermore, the new DCPAs can be generated by adjusting the molar ratio between amino groups and aldehyde groups, thereby realizing the goal of closed-loop recyclability relating to degradation-regeneration-degradation. The DCPAs are also reparable and weldable based on the dynamic properties and ambient pressure drying method, which are fire-new features for aerogels.
This work not only presents a novel class of aerogels and exhibits multifunctionality in various fields including adsorption and thermal insulation, but also provides new research perspective to facilitate the development of both dynamic covalent chemistry and aerogels for applications as smart and environmentally friendly materials.
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