Thermoresponsive Oil-Adsorbing Aerogel

Room-temp self-release

The aerogel autonomously contracts at room temperature to release adsorbed oil via thermoresponsive brushes, enabling self-regeneration without external energy, while its steamed-bun-like asymmetric structure protects internal pores and extends lifespan.

Tang, Xiangyi · Lu, Hai · Fu-Hou, Lei · Liu, He · Li, Wen

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2026

Specifications

Uptake capacity

{'zh': '25 ± 3', 'en': '25 ± 3'} g·g⁻¹

Cyclic stability

{'zh': '10', 'en': '10'} cycles

Advantages

Room-temp self-release

Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brushes undergo a phase transition at room temperature, causing the aerogel to spontaneously contract and release adsorbed oil without heating or solvents.

Durable structure

The steamed-bun-like dense outer layer protects the loose interior pores, reducing structural damage during adsorption-desorption cycles and extending lifespan.

Degradable and safe

Soil degradation tests and mice safety assessment demonstrate environmental friendliness and non-toxicity.

Applications

• oil/water separation：Replaces traditional adsorbents requiring high-temperature or solvent regeneration, reducing energy consumption in oil/water separation.
• environmental remediation materials：Used for oil spill recovery; spontaneous room-temperature release facilitates oil recovery and material reuse.
• green adsorbents：Made from renewable and degradable materials, avoiding secondary pollution.
• smart responsive materials：Controls adsorption-desorption cycles via temperature, eliminating mechanical intervention.