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Li J, Sun Y, Shi W, Li Y, Zou Y, Zhang H. Fabrication, characterization, and in vitro digestion of gelatin/gluten oleogels from thermally crosslinked electrospun short fiber aerogel templates. Food Chem 2024; 454:139804. [PMID: 38815325 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
In this work, the electrospun short fiber-based oleogels (ESFO) were formed by thermal crosslinking. Gelatin and gluten nanofibers were obtained via electrospinning, then homogenized and transformed into short fiber dispersions. Through freeze-drying, electrospun short fiber-based aerogel (ESF-A) templates were obtained for oil adsorption. All ESF-A exhibited the micromorphology of loose fibrous pore structure and prominent changes of characteristic peaks in the thermal and infrared analyses. Moreover, the highly crosslinked templates owned excellent hydrophobicity and mechanical performances (elastic modulus: 0.25 kPa, yield strength: 14.56 kPa, compressive strength: 52.54 kPa, and the final compression recovery: 91.27%). Meanwhile, the oil adsorption/oil holding capacity could reach 76.56 g/g and 80.04%, respectively. Through thermal crosslinking, ESF-O presented good and controllable rheological/in vitro digestion properties, which were further confirmed by PCA analysis. According to different application conditions, ESF-O properties could be adjusted by different degrees of fiber addition or thermal crosslinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Li
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yifeng Sun
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Wangjue Shi
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yang Li
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yucheng Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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2
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Lu J, Jiang Y, Qiao Y, Wen Z, Luo Z, Ahmed M, Ali A, Guo L. Butane Tetracarboxylic Acid Grafted on Polymeric Nanofibrous Aerogels for Highly Efficient Protein Absorption and Separation. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1270. [PMID: 38732739 PMCID: PMC11085302 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing high-performance and low-cost protein purification materials is of great importance to meet the demands for highly purified proteins in biotechnological industries. Herein, a facile strategy was developed to design and construct high-efficiency protein absorption and separation media by combining aerogels' molding techniques and impregnation processes. Poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) nanofibrous aerogels (NFAs) were modified by grafting butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) over them in situ. This modification was carried out using polyphosphoric acid as a catalyst. The resulting EVOH/BTCA NFAs exhibited favorable comprehensive properties. Benefiting from the highly interconnected porous structure, good underwater compressive properties, and abundant absorption ligands, the obtained EVOH/BTCA NFAs possessed a high static absorption capacity of 1082.13 mg/g to lysozyme and a short absorption equilibrium time of about 6 h. A high saturated dynamic absorption capacity for lysozyme (716.85 mg/g) was also realized solely by gravity. Furthermore, EVOH/BTCA NFAs displayed excellent reusability, good acid and alkaline resistance, and unique absorption selectivity performance. The successful synthesis of such aerogels can provide a potential candidate for next-generation protein absorbents for bio-separation and purification engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (Z.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Yangang Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (Z.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Yufei Qiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (Z.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Zihao Wen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (Z.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Zhengjin Luo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (Z.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Mukhtar Ahmed
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Amjad Ali
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (Z.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Li Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.J.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (Z.L.); (A.A.)
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Zhu J, Lu H, Song J. Fabrication of EVOH/PANI Composite Nanofibrous Aerogels for the Removal of Dyes and Heavy Metal Ions. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2393. [PMID: 36984273 PMCID: PMC10054761 DOI: 10.3390/ma16062393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Water pollution caused by the leakage and discharge of pollutants, such as dyes and heavy metal ions, can cause serious damage to the environment and human health. Therefore, it is important to design and develop adsorbent materials that are efficient and multifunctional for the removal of these pollutants. In this work, poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (EVOH)/polyaniline (PANI) composite nanofibrous aerogels (NFAs) were fabricated via solution oxidation and blending. The aerogels were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, a contact angle measuring instrument and a universal testing machine. The influences of the introduction of PANI nanorods on the structural properties of aerogels were investigated, and the adsorption performance of aerogels was also studied. The results showed that the introduction of PANI nanorods filled the fibrous network structure, reduced porosity, increased surface hydrophilicity and improved compressive strength. Furthermore, EVOH/PANI composite NFAs possess good adsorption performances for dyes and heavy metal ions: The adsorption capacities of methyl orange and chromium ions (VI) are 73.22 mg/g and 115.54 mg/g, respectively. Overall, the research suggests that EVOH/PANI NFAs have great potential as efficient and multifunctional adsorbent materials for the removal of pollutants from water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshan Zhu
- Sinopec Marketing Jiangsu Company, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Hang Lu
- Sinopec Marketing Jiangsu Company, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Jianan Song
- Research School of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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Liu C, Wang S, Wang N, Yu J, Liu YT, Ding B. From 1D Nanofibers to 3D Nanofibrous Aerogels: A Marvellous Evolution of Electrospun SiO 2 Nanofibers for Emerging Applications. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2022; 14:194. [PMID: 36161372 PMCID: PMC9511469 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-022-00937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
One-dimensional (1D) SiO2 nanofibers (SNFs), one of the most popular inorganic nanomaterials, have aroused widespread attention because of their excellent chemical stability, as well as unique optical and thermal characteristics. Electrospinning is a straightforward and versatile method to prepare 1D SNFs with programmable structures, manageable dimensions, and modifiable properties, which hold great potential in many cutting-edge applications including aerospace, nanodevice, and energy. In this review, substantial advances in the structural design, controllable synthesis, and multifunctional applications of electrospun SNFs are highlighted. We begin with a brief introduction to the fundamental principles, available raw materials, and typical apparatus of electrospun SNFs. We then discuss the strategies for preparing SNFs with diverse structures in detail, especially stressing the newly emerging three-dimensional SiO2 nanofibrous aerogels. We continue with focus on major breakthroughs about brittleness-to-flexibility transition of SNFs and the means to achieve their mechanical reinforcement. In addition, we showcase recent applications enabled by electrospun SNFs, with particular emphasis on physical protection, health care and water treatment. In the end, we summarize this review and provide some perspectives on the future development direction of electrospun SNFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Liu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Wang
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Ni Wang
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyong Yu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi-Tao Liu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Ding
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, People's Republic of China.
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Lu J, Jiang Y, Xiao R, Jacob KI, Tao L, Li S, Guo L. Chemical Vapor Deposition Based Superelastic and Superhydrophoboic Thermoplastic Polymeric Nanofibrous Aerogels for Water Purification. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-022-02330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cheng X, Yang Y, Song Y, Xu LP, Wang S. Utilizing Heterostructured Porous Particles to Improve Traditional Paper Chromatography for Spontaneous Protein Separation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:4250-4255. [PMID: 35353528 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chromatography is a classical technique for protein separation. However, the chromatography column is filled with tightly packed separation materials and requires an additional pressurizing pump to propel the flow of fluidic samples, largely restraining their applications. Here, we combine heterostructured porous particles with paper strips, realizing spontaneous separation of similarly sized proteins. The interconnected nanofibrous structure and good hydrophility of paper strips enable the spontaneous flow of the liquid sample, and the heterostructured porous particles provide versatile tools for protein separation via electrostatic interaction. The fabricated paper strips are inexpensive, user-friendly, and disposable and exhibit good separation performance. This work may offer a new avenue for fabricating on-site bioseparation tools and purifying various biomacromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Yuemeng Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Yongyang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China
| | - Li-Ping Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Shutao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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Shape-Memory Materials via Electrospinning: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14050995. [PMID: 35267818 PMCID: PMC8914658 DOI: 10.3390/polym14050995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to point out the importance of the synergic effects of two relevant and appealing polymeric issues: electrospun fibers and shape-memory properties. The attention is focused specifically on the design and processing of electrospun polymeric fibers with shape-memory capabilities and their potential application fields. It is shown that this field needs to be explored more from both scientific and industrial points of view; however, very promising results have been obtained up to now in the biomedical field and also as sensors and actuators and in electronics.
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Tian Y, Zhang X, Feng X, Zhang J, Zhong T. Shapeable and underwater super-elastic cellulose nanofiber/alginate cryogels by freezing-induced oxa-Michael reaction for efficient protein purification. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 272:118498. [PMID: 34420751 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Construction of monolithic cryogels that can efficiently adsorb proteins is of great significance in biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries. Herein, a novel approach is presented to fabricate microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)/sodium alginate (SA) cryogels by using freezing-induced oxa-Michael reaction at -12 °C. Thanks to the controllable reactiveness of divinyl sulfone (DVS), cryo-concentrated pH increase activates the oxa-Michael reaction between DVS and hydroxyl groups of MFCs and SAs. The obtained composite cryogel exhibits outstanding underwater shape recovery and excellent fatigue resistance. Moreover, the MFC/SAs reveal a high lysozyme adsorption capacity of 294.12 mg/g, surpassing most of absorbent materials previously reported. Furthermore, the cryogel-packed column can purify lysozyme continuously from chicken egg white, highlighting its outstanding practical application performance. Reuse experiments indicated that over 90% of lysozyme extraction capacity was retained after 6 cycles. This work provides a new avenue to design and develop next-generation chromatographic media of natural polysaccharide-based cryogel for protein purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Tian
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650092, China
| | - Xufeng Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650092, China.
| | - Xiyun Feng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650092, China.
| | - Jinmeng Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650092, China
| | - Tianyi Zhong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650092, China
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Dong X, Si Y, Chen C, Ding B, Deng H. Reed Leaves Inspired Silica Nanofibrous Aerogels with Parallel-Arranged Vessels for Salt-Resistant Solar Desalination. ACS NANO 2021; 15:12256-12266. [PMID: 34151558 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c04035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Sufficient and clean freshwater is still out of reach for billions of people around the world. Solar desalination from brine is regarded as one of the most promising proposals to solve this severe crisis. However, most of the reported evaporators to date still suffer from the decreasing evaporation rate caused by salt crystallization accumulated on their surface. Here, inspired by the vascular tissue structure, transpiration, and antifouling function of reed leaves, we design biomimetic hierarchical nanofibrous aerogels with parallel-arranged vessels and hydrophobic surfaces for highly efficient and salt-resistant solar desalination. Foldable vessel walls and flexible silica nanofibers give the reed leaf-inspired nanofiber aerogels (R-NFAs) excellent mechanical properties and enable them to withstand repeated compression. Besides, the R-NFAs can efficiently absorb sunlight (light absorption efficiency: 94.8%) and evaporate the brine to vapor, similar to reed leaves (evaporation rate: 1.25 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 sun). More importantly, enabled by the hydrophobic surfaces and parallel-arranged vessels, the R-NFAs can work stably in high-concentration brine (saturated, 26.3 wt %) under high-intensity light (up to 6 sun), demonstrating potent salt resistance. It is expected that R-NFAs with combined antisalt pore and surface structures will provide a designed concept for salt-resistant solar desalination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Dong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yang Si
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Chaoji Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Bin Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Hongbing Deng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biomass Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology, Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Sustainable Resource and Energy, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymers-Based Medical Materials, School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
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Feng Y, Zong D, Hou Y, Yin X, Zhang S, Duan L, Si Y, Jia Y, Ding B. Gradient structured micro/nanofibrous sponges with superior compressibility and stretchability for broadband sound absorption. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 593:59-66. [PMID: 33744552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ultrafine fibrous porous materials obtained by electrospinning technology have broad application prospects in the field of noise reduction. However, the two-dimensional fibrous membranes faced low thickness and dense structure, resulting in a single internal structure and narrow sound absorption band. Here, we report a simple and robust strategy to prepare gradient structured fiber sponges with superelasticity and stretchability by combining humidity-assisted multi-step electrospinning and a unique physical/chemical dual cross-linking method. The prepared gradient structured fibrous sponge has a maximum tensile strength of 169 kPa and can lift a weight 10,000 times its weight without breaking. Besides, the material can still maintain a stable structure after 500 compression cycles at 60% strain. Meantime, the material has lightweight properties (density of 13.8 mg cm-3) and hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 152°). More importantly, the gradient change of porosity and pore diameter in the Z direction endowed the fibrous sponge material with high-efficiency absorption of broadband sound waves (with a noise reduction coefficient up to 0.53). The design of this gradient structured fiber sponge opens a new way for the development of ideal sound-absorbing materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Feng
- The Engineering Technology Research Center for Functional Textiles in Higher Education of Guangdong Province, College of Textile Materials and Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Dingding Zong
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yijie Hou
- The Engineering Technology Research Center for Functional Textiles in Higher Education of Guangdong Province, College of Textile Materials and Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Xia Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Lunyong Duan
- Jiangxi Zhihao Electronic-Tech Co, Ltd, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yang Si
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Yongtang Jia
- The Engineering Technology Research Center for Functional Textiles in Higher Education of Guangdong Province, College of Textile Materials and Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China.
| | - Bin Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China; Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China.
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Advances in Manufacturing Composite Carbon Nanofiber-Based Aerogels. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs4020073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This article provides an overview on manufacturing composite carbon nanofiber-based aerogels through freeze casting technology. As known, freeze casting is a relatively new manufacturing technique for generating highly porous structures. During the process, deep cooling is used first to rapidly solidify a well-dispersed slurry. Then, vacuum drying is conducted to sublimate the solvent. This allows the creation of highly porous materials. Although the freeze casting technique was initially developed for porous ceramics processing, it has found various applications, especially for making aerogels. Aerogels are highly porous materials with extremely high volume of free spaces, which contributes to the characteristics of high porosity, ultralight, large specific surface area, huge interface area, and in addition, super low thermal conductivity. Recently, carbon nanofiber aerogels have been studied to achieve exceptional properties of high stiffness, flame-retardant and thermal-insulating. The freeze casting technology has been reported for preparing carbon nanofiber composite aerogels for energy storage, energy conversion, water purification, catalysis, fire prevention etc. This review deals with freeze casting carbon nanofiber composite materials consisting of functional nanoparticles with exceptional properties. The content of this review article is organized as follows. The first part will introduce the general freeze casting manufacturing technology of aerogels with the emphasis on how to use the technology to make nanoparticle-containing composite carbon nanofiber aerogels. Then, modeling and characterization of the freeze cast particle-containing carbon nanofibers will be presented with an emphasis on modeling the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of the carbon nanofiber network aerogels. After that, the applications of the carbon nanofiber aerogels will be described. Examples of energy converters, supercapacitors, secondary battery electrodes, dye absorbents, sensors, and catalysts made from composite carbon nanofiber aerogels will be shown. Finally, the perspectives to future work will be presented.
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