Aerogel: The Innovative Force in Low-carbon Architecture, Building a New Line of Defense for Safe and Green Living

Under the Upsurge of Passive Houses, the Dilemma of Traditional Thermal Insulation Materials

Passive ultra-low energy consumption buildings are a key direction for the green transformation of buildings. However, most of the exterior wall thermal insulation materials on the market are still designed according to the 75% energy-saving standard, making it difficult to meet the ultra-low energy consumption demand of over 90%. Traditional organic materials such as extruded polystyrene boards and expanded polystyrene boards have good thermal insulation performance, but they are flammable, leading to frequent safety hazards. Inorganic materials such as perlite boards are flame-retardant, but their thermal conductivity and bulk density performance are insufficient, unable to balance energy conservation and safety. The construction industry urgently needs a new material with high-efficiency thermal insulation, fireproof and non-combustible, and environmental protection characteristics. Aerogel is the solution to this predicament.

Aerogel: An All-round Thermal Insulation Material that Subverts Tradition

Aerogel, a material known as "solid smoke", has emerged in the construction field with its unique properties. Its low thermal conductivity endows it with excellent thermal insulation performance, and its high-temperature resistance and non-combustibility when exposed to fire solve the safety pain points. The breakthrough in domestic preparation technology for production at normal temperature and pressure reduces costs and risks, promoting the widespread application of aerogel in construction. Whether it is aerogel thermal insulation coatings or insulation boards, they all demonstrate advantages that traditional materials cannot match:

• Aerogel Thermal Insulation Coatings: Through natural environment tests, the thermal insulation effect is remarkable. It is especially suitable for regions with hot summers and warm winters, effectively blocking radiant heat and reducing indoor energy loss.

• Aerogel Composite Non-combustible Insulation Boards: With a fire protection rating of A2, low thermal conductivity, light bulk density, and convenient construction, it is applicable to scenarios such as new building construction and old building renovation. It solves problems such as water absorption and peeling of traditional materials, helping buildings achieve ultra-low energy consumption.

Global Practices: Verification of the Economic and Practicality of Aerogel

The practice in Switzerland proves the economic value of aerogel. In Zurich, the aerogel exterior wall is only 14 cm thick, 6 cm thinner than traditional materials, creating an additional 30 square meters of space. Calculated according to the local housing price, the added value far exceeds the material cost, and the final profit is approximately 247,000 Swiss francs. The renovation of Shanghai Book City adopted an aerogel internal thermal insulation system. A 2-cm-thick aerogel inorganic thermal insulation paste, combined with adiabatic coatings, has a carbon emission factor only 1/2 - 1/3 that of rock wool boards, balancing energy conservation and space utilization. 

In Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, the first passive house project in which our company, Hebei Woqin, participated in the construction successfully applied vacuum insulation panels, rigid polyurethane spacers, and aerogel products. Thanks to its low thermal conductivity and fire - resistant properties, aerogel has enhanced the thermal resistance of the building's envelope structure, reduced energy consumption, and set a benchmark for local green buildings. This practice not only verifies the feasibility of aerogel in practical projects but also integrates energy conservation and safety into daily life, indicating a promising future for its widespread application.

Cutting - edge Exploration: Sustainable Breakthroughs of All - Biomass Aerogels

The all - biomass radiative - cooling aerogel developed by the team from Sichuan University showcases the infinite possibilities of material innovation. The aerogel prepared from gelatin and DNA has fluorescence/phosphorescence properties, which can convert ultraviolet light into visible light, increase the solar reflectivity, and achieve a temperature reduction of up to 16℃ in outdoor environments. Its water - mediated interfacial repair property enables large - scale production, and it also has environmental advantages such as flame - retardancy and biodegradability, providing new ideas for the design of sustainable radiative - cooling materials.

Conclusion

From the economic demonstration in Switzerland to the practical engineering applications in China, aerogel is gradually stepping out of the laboratory and integrating into the architecture. Its comprehensive advantages in thermal insulation, fire protection, and environmental protection meet the global demand for green buildings. Although the application of aerogel in exterior walls is still in the promotion stage, with the improvement of construction standards and monitoring systems, it is bound to become the mainstream choice in the construction field. Aerogel is not only an innovator of low - carbon buildings but also a guardian of a safe and green future life. It brings energy conservation and safety closer to us and builds a solid defense line for the sustainable development of the earth.