Ultralight Magnetic Nanofibrous GdPO(4) Aerogel

[Image: see text] Anisotropic aerogels are promising bulk materials with a porous 3D structure, best known for their large surface area, low density, and extremely low thermal conductivity. Herein, we report the synthesis and some properties of ultralight magnetic nanofibrous GdPO(4) aerogels. Our proposed GdPO(4) aerogel synthesis route is eco-friendly and does not require any harsh precursors or conditions. The most common route for magnetic aerogel preparation is the introduction of magnetic nanoparticles into the structure during the synthesis procedure. However, the nanofibrous GdPO(4) aerogel reported in this work is magnetic by itself already and no additives are required. The hydrogel used for nanofibrous GdPO(4) aerogel preparation was synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The hydrogel was freeze-dried and heat-treated to induce a phase transformation from the nonmagnetic trigonal to magnetic monoclinic phase. Density of the obtained magnetic nanofibrous monoclinic GdPO(4) aerogel is only ca. 8 mg/cm(3).