Novel monolithic yttria-alumina aerogel with low thermal conductivity made from inorganic precursors

A novel monolithic yttria-alumina aerogel was successfully prepared using inorganic precursors through the sol-gel method. The yttria-alumina aerogel possesses a three-dimensional network structure composed of numerous nanoscale flake like particles and nanoscale pores. In addition, the aerogel is mainly made up of nano Y2O3 grains, and Al atoms are dissolved in the Y2O3 grains to form the solid solution. The aerogel with a low density of 0.203 g/cm3 exhibits low thermal conductivity of 0.016 W/(m·K). Therefore, the yttria-alumina aerogel shows promise for application as a thermal insulation material.