Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of forming polyimide gels. The methods generally include forming a polyamic acid and dehydrating the polyamic acid with a dehydrating agent in the presence of water. The resulting polyimide gels may be converted to polyimide or carbon xerogels or aerogels. The methods are advantageous in providing rapid or even instantaneous gelation, which may be particularly useful in formation of beads comprising the polyimide gels. Polyimide or carbon gel materials prepared according to the disclosed method are suitable for use in environments containing electrochemical reactions, for example as an electrode material within a lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to silica-carbon composite materials including a low bulk density carbon material having a skeletal framework of carbon nanofibers, the skeletal framework forming a pore structure comprising an array of interconnected pores. The silica-carbon composite materials further include a conformal coating layer of silica on the carbon nanofibers. Further provided are methods for preparation of the silica-carbon composite materials, and methods for reduction of the silica-carbon composite materials to provide silicon-carbon composite materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of forming polyimide gels. The methods generally include forming a polyamic acid and dehydrating the polyamic acid with a dehydrating agent in the presence of water. The resulting polyimide gels may be converted to polyimide or carbon xerogels or aerogels. The methods are advantageous in providing rapid or even instantaneous gelation, which may be particularly useful in formation of beads comprising the polyimide gels. Polyimide or carbon gel materials prepared according to the disclosed method are suitable for use in environments containing electrochemical reactions, for example as an electrode material within a lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of forming polyamic acid and polyimide gels in water. The resulting polyamic acid and polyimide gels may be converted to aerogels, which may further be converted to carbon aerogels. Such carbon aerogels have the same physical properties as carbon aerogels prepared from polyimide aerogels obtained according to conventional methods, i.e., organic solvent-based. The disclosed methods are advantageous in reducing or avoiding costs associated with use and disposal of potentially toxic solvents and byproducts. Gel materials prepared according to the disclosed methods are suitable for use in environments involving electrochemical reactions, for example as an electrode material within a lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which have a thermal storage capacity, and which are durable and easy to handle. The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which include PCM coatings, particle mixtures, or PCM materials confined within the porous network of an aerogel composition. The present disclosure can provide methods for producing aerogel compositions by coating an aerogel composition with PCM materials, by forming particle mixtures with PCM materials, or by confining PCM materials within the porous network of an aerogel composition.

Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of a polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel may further include silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: Silicon nanoparticles and methods for preparation of silicon nanoparticles are provided. Embodiments include a method for grinding silicon. Methods include providing silicon material, providing a grinding liquid including a polar solvent, and grinding the silicon material in the presence of the grinding liquid to yield silicon nanoparticles. Grinding the silicon in the presence of the grinding liquid can chemically functionalize the silicon material as the nanoparticles are formed to provide stable chemically functionalized nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which have a thermal storage capacity, and which are durable and easy to handle. The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which include PCM coatings, particle mixtures, or PCM materials confined within the porous network of an aerogel composition. The present disclosure can provide methods for producing aerogel compositions by coating an aerogel composition with PCM materials, by forming particle mixtures with PCM materials, or by confining PCM materials within the porous network of an aerogel composition.

Abstract: Nanoporous carbon-based scaffolds or structures, and specifically carbon aerogels and their manufacture and use thereof are provided. Embodiments include a silicon-doped anode material for a lithium-ion battery, where the anode material includes beads of polyimide-derived carbon aerogel. The carbon aerogel includes silicon particles and accommodates expansion of the silicon particles during lithiation. The anode material provides optimal properties for use within the lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which have a thermal storage capacity, and which are durable and easy to handle. The present disclosure can provide aerogel compositions which include PCM coatings, particle mixtures, or PCM materials confined within the porous network of an aerogel composition. The present disclosure can provide methods for producing aerogel compositions by coating an aerogel composition with PCM materials, by forming particle mixtures with PCM materials, or by confining PCM materials within the porous network of an aerogel composition.

Abstract: Materials and methods for manufacturing electronic devices and semiconductor components using low dielectric materials comprising polyimide based aerogels are described. Additional methods for manipulating the properties of the dielectric materials and affecting the overall dielectric property of the system are also provided.

Abstract: Materials and methods for manufacturing electronic devices and semiconductor components using low dielectric materials comprising polyimide based aerogels are described. Additional methods for manipulating the properties of the dielectric materials and affecting the overall dielectric property of the system are also provided.

Abstract: Materials and methods for manufacturing electronic devices and semiconductor components using low dielectric materials comprising polyimide based aerogels are described. Additional methods for manipulating the properties of the dielectric materials and affecting the overall dielectric property of the system are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve an insulating structure comprising; at least one fibrous layer comprising a continuous matrix of an aerogel material infused therein, said at least one fibrous layer secured with an adhesive to a polymeric sheet. In some embodiments the structure may comprise a coating on at least one side of the fibrous layer. In some embodiments more than one side of the fibrous layer is secured with an adhesive to a polymeric sheet. Methods for preparing these structures are also described.

Abstract: The current invention discloses various materials, specifically composites comprising aerogels and fiber reinforced forms thereof. The invention further teaches the methods of making such composites along with different additives that can be added in the composites to derive desired property enhancements.

Abstract: An insulating structure comprising an aerogel composite fully enclosed by an envelope and sealed at a reduced pressure, said aerogel composite comprising at least one metal oxide matrix and a fibrous material incorporated therein, and where said insulating structure can bend to at least 90° and a bending radius of less than ½ inch without any substantial fracture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe hybrid aerogels comprising polymers covalently bonded to an inorganic network and methods for preparing the same. The inorganic network may comprise silica, alumina, titania, zirconia, ceria, yttria or a combination thereof, where silica is the preferred embodiment. The polymers preferably comprise chitosan, pyrrolidine complex of chitosan or any other derivatives of chitosan that are soluble in water, ethanol or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An insulating structure comprising an aerogel composite fully enclosed by an envelope and sealed at a reduced pressure, said aerogel composite comprising at least one metal oxide matrix and a fibrous material incorporated therein, and where said insulating structure can bend to at least 90° and a bending radius of less than ½ inch without any substantial fracture.