Nanocellulose Aerogel-based Solar Steam Generator

Abstract

We have developed a new method to fabricate environmentally friendly cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based aerogel. CNF was obtained by TEMPO-mediated oxidation of bleached pulp. Whereas the conventional fabrication method of CNF aerogel was based on freeze-drying or supercritical drying of a CNF suspension, our method allowed to obtain CNF aerogel under atmospheric conditions. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the CNF aerogel, it was used as a solar steam generator (SSG).