Effect of catalyst used in the Sol-Gel process on the microstructure and adsorption/desorption performance of silica aerogels

Kashif Nawaz, Shelly J. Schmidt, Anthony M. Jacobi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Silica aerogels are often deployed as solid desiccants in enthalpy wheels used for dehumidifying ventilation air in airconditioning systems. These materials have good adsorption and desorption characteristics, but microstructure affects their moisture diffusivity. As the performance of desiccant systems depends on diffusivity, it is important to select a preparation method providing the desired aerogel microstructure for enhanced dehumidification performance. A study is described in which the structure of silica aerogels prepared by the Sol-Gel process is analyzed. The same precipitator (TMOS-Tetra methyl orthosilicate) and solvent (Methanol) are used to prepare all samples. It is found that density and microstructure are highly dependent on the catalyst used in the Sol-Gel process. Dynamic vapor sorption experiments are conducted to determine diffusivity. Microscopic images are analyzed to discern the structure and to relate it to corresponding adsorption or desorption performance parameters.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEmerging Technologies
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Print)9780791856406
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
EventASME 2013 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2013 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Nov 15 2013Nov 21 2013

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume11

Conference

ConferenceASME 2013 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period11/15/1311/21/13

Funding

Authors acknowledge support provided by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center (ACRC), Material Research Labs (MRL), and Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign . The project is financially supported by the ACRC (an NSF-founded Industry-University Cooperative Research Center) and the ASHRAE Grant-in-aid program.

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