Synthesis of boron-carbide aerogels
Abstract
We present the synthesis of boron carbide aerogels utilizing nano-boron powder and resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) organic aerogels as precursors. Monolithic aerogels were fabricated from suspensions of boron nanoparticles and RF via an organic sol-gel process, enabling effective distribution of boron in the gel network. The resulting gels underwent supercritical drying, thermal reduction, and subsequent heat treatment to yield boron carbide aerogels with densities ranging from 37 to 55 mg/cm³. By tuning the boron-to-carbon ratio, heat treatment temperature, and dwell time, surface areas up to 53 m²/g were obtained. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of the boron carbide phase and detected the presence of residual carbon within the structure.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Boron and Carbon Nanomaterials Research
Advanced ceramic materials synthesis
Aerogels and thermal insulation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 117
- Issue
- 3
- Publication date
- 4 March 2026
- Language
- EN