Alginate/r-GO/SiO2 aerogels with double catalytic activity sites and high mechanical performance

Abstract Developing biomass aerogel catalysts is a promising prospect in the catalytic fields. Despite the intensive research in the field, most of the biomass aerogels are fragile and endow lower catalytic efficiency, which limit their effective wide range applications as catalysts. Herein, alginate/r-GO/SiO2 aerogels with double catalytic sites and perfect mechanical strength were prepared via a simple one-pot reaction. Cu and r-GO played as the double catalytic activity sites, which endowed the aerogels perfect catalytic performance. Meanwhile, r-GO and SiO2 played as the reinforcements to enhance the mechanical strength of the aerogel (particle compressive strength of 43.1 kg/cm2).