This innovation introduces the polymer precursor into the sol before gelation either as an agent which co-reacts with the oxide gel or as soluble polymer precursors which do not interact with the oxide gel in any way. Subsequent exposure to heat, light, catalyst or other method of promoting polymerization causes cross-linking without any additional infiltration steps.

This work seeks to combine the merits of multifoil insulation (MFI) and aerogel-based insulation to develop a highly versatile and ultra-low thermal conductivity material referred to as Hybrid Multifoil Aerogel Thermal Insulation (HyMATI). Layers of metal foil block infrared radiation (IR), which are separated by thin (100-1000 micron) layers of opacified aerogel whereby the aerogel further reduces IR transport and more importantly can significantly reduce gas and solid conduction compared to the astroquartz used in heritage MFI.

In this disclosure, a new CO2 sensing material, copper oxide (CuO) doped nanocrystalline SnO2, was discovered and a miniature CO2 sensor using this sensing material was fabricated. Sol gel nanomaterial synthesis and semiconductor microfabrication processes were used. This development could fundamentally change material and sensor scientists’ understanding of SnO2 and open a new sensing material area for oxidizing gas detection.

A robust composite aerogel with significantly improved thermal stability and mechanical integrity has been developed. This novel aerogel composite material is composed of aerogel, silica fiber and silica powder. Improved thermal stability and mechanical integrity is achieved by incorporating a low-density silica fiber mat, which is integrated into the aerogel network.

A new antireflection surface fabrication technique is reported using nano-tips for use on a micro sun sensor for Mars rovers. The nano-tips of the radius of 100 nm and aspect ratio of 200 have been achieved without using nanolithography. The reflectance at the target wavelength of 1 µm is only about 0.06 % relatively to aluminum mirror surface.