A review: recent advances in conductive aerogels: assembly strategies, conductive mechanisms, influencing factors and applications

Conductive aerogel is a material with excellent electrical conductivity and unique three-dimensional nano-network structure, formed by doping conductive fillers into the aerogel, or directly through conductive substances such as conductive polymer. In addition, it has the advantages of high porosity, high specific surface area, low density, excellent flexibility and low cost. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research status of conductive aerogels to open up new ideas for scientific research in related fields for readers. Firstly, we summarize the assembly strategies of conductive aerogel. The assembly process includes preparation and drying of the gel. In addition, the aging process is involved. Secondly, we review its conduction mechanism. Then, the effects of pressure, temperature and humidity on the properties of conductive aerogels are summarized. Notably, conductive aerogel has piezoresistive effect because of its elasticity and compressibility. Finally, based on the properties of conductive aerogels and their advantages in electrical conductivity, we summarize the applications of conductive aerogels in supercapacitor, electrocatalysis, sensors and electromagnetic interference shielding. This review summarizes the current development and application of conductive aerogel in recent years, which provides strong support for the future development of conductive aerogel.