Ultralight and Elastic Alumina/Titanium Carbide Nanofibrous Sponges by Gelation Electrospinning for Antistatic and Thermal Insulation

Ceramic fiber thermal insulation materials are critical for protecting personnel and equipment from extreme thermal environments. However, traditional ceramic fibers are brittle and prone to electrostatic accumulation, hindering their reliable use in extreme environments. In this study, we present a facile strategy for fabricating alumina/titanium carbide (Al 2 O 3 /TiC) nanofibrous sponges via gelation electrospinning. By integrating electrical conductivity and thermally radiation-blocking TiC particles into aluminum sol for gelation electrospinning and by modulating colloidal gelation kinetics through humidity control, a 3D architecture of nanofibers and TiC particles was constructed. After low-temperature calcination, ultralight, highly elastic, antistatic, and thermally insulating Al 2 O 3 /TiC nanofibrous sponges were obtained. The as-prepared Al 2 O 3 /TiC nanofibrous sponges exhibit an integrated set of superior properties, including ultralightweight with a density of 4.61 mg cm –3, high-temperature resistance up to 800 °C, and remarkable antistatic performance. Moreover, benefiting from striking flexibility, they can withstand compression and buckling cycling. This material provides a fresh perspective on the development of ceramic nanofibrous sponges for protecting lives and property under extreme conditions.