Structure-property correlation in metal-oxide aerogels

Aerogels are truly remarkable materials with unique physical properties including extraordinary thermal insulation capabilities. The influence of mechanical deformation on these nanoscale materials is only poorly understood, despite key technological interest. This project aims to measure the response of a variety of aerogels samples to forces applied by nanoindentation and, using advanced electron microscopy and ion-beam analysis techniques, to directly identify the atomic-level deformation mechanisms.