Graphene aerogel based
supercapacitors are in. Novel development techniques unearth ground breaking
applications in the aerogel market.
Since its induction, aerogels gained market publicity, owing
to innovative applications that its ultra-low density properties could be put
through. The magic created by these open celled porous substances reiterated
through market verticals such as fashion, defense, electronics, stellar
explorations, and environmental cleaning. With three dimensional printing
technology at hand, experts ventured out to experiment with structures and
materials to manipulate existing aerogels as well as to construct new ones. Graphene aerogels
has hit the market with the promise of immense energy storage capabilities duly
incorporated to create supercapacitors for electronic industries.
Magic elements of
aerogel market
It is indeed sheer magic how different properties are
achieved in aerogels in spite being constructed with the same class of
components. The impressive properties are retained, while undesirable ones are
eliminated during further approach. In due course, derived products register lowest
record values for density, thermal conductivity, dielectric constant, optical
index, and speed of sound through any substance, plus highest specific surface
area ever in any solid material. The impact has been far reaching in almost all
business segments, forcing them to reconsider materials used by them.
Thickening agent in surface coatings and cosmetics; building
light-weight, yet durable goods such as footwear; providing building and
equipment insulation, both electrical and thermal; absorbing accidental
oil-spills and other industrial wastes; fabricating insulating garments and light
jewelry in fashion industry – the applications root deeply and diversely into
global aerogel markets.
Role of additive
manufacturing
The hype about aerogels surely increased demand over time,
yet extraction techniques restrained market growth for a long time. Correspondingly,
there were more than two hundred materials and colors discovered which could be
used in additive manufacturing. When brought together, the possibility of
additive construction of aerogel lattice using graphene and polymers materialized.
With the implied consistency in net features, displayed by 3D printed graphene
aerogels, a fresh set of applications cropped up for Aerogel
Market. Higher compressive ratios called for better shock absorbers,
while enhanced conductivity led to supercapacitors and innovative solid-state
batteries. Gold aerogels, now comes across as efficient catalysts in industrial
reactions, with small quantities of gold spread over a large surface area.
If the equation still does not add up for you, let’s talk construction
techniques. The graphene-oxide composite ink was used to create geometrically
complex 3D supercapacitors through direct-ink printing. Earlier the silica or
polymer complex had to burnt away after printing the structures, which in
itself posed damaging hazards. Freeze casting technique stepped up to rescue.
Printing at extremely low temperatures caused instant freezing of
graphene-oxides, while silica or polymer component of ink ‘melted’ away. Water
directed from another nozzle over the cast structure maintained structural
support. The entire unit was dried in liquid nitrogen to remove water depositions,
while structurally sound graphene lattice remained. Researchers take the result
forward to experiment with crossing two or more ink-material to explore
possibilities.
Structured aerogel
market
Global aerogel market is developing dynamically with its
ongoing research in manufacturing techniques. Combination of advanced
techniques with various composite ratios will keep cropping up new
applications, and eventually new markets. Investment opportunities are huge are
spread over a vast range of business verticals. For major players this is a
crucial time to realize end-vertical needs and stack up their research and
development activities. Aerogel manufacturers need to mark areas with material
deficit or opportunity in fresh segments and accordingly strategize development
of materials.
Pipeline growth is expected during the current decade given
the raised demand for smart wearables and electronics that could use the
light-weight properties of aerogel batteries. Allied
Market Research in its report titled “World Aerogel Market -
Opportunities and Forecast, 2014 – 2021”, predicted stabilized market growth
owing to the miscellaneous applications it serves. The report provides a
complete understanding of the prevalent market structure, giving an insight to
the motivating and limiting factors that affect operations. It outlines
business strategies of the leading market players outlining profitable pockets
for stakeholders and prospective investors.
