Construction of Carbon-Based Aerogel and its Application in Advanced Technology

Aerogels possess exceptional application potential in nanoporous materials owing to their ultrahigh porosity, large specific surface area, and ultralow density. Carbon-based aerogels, primarily built from graphene and carbon nanotubes, inherit the three-dimensional porous network of conventional aerogels while incorporating the excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical stability of carbon materials, resulting in superior overall performance. Various preparation strategies for constructing three-dimensional porous carbon aerogel networks are systematically summarized in this paper, including sol-gel, template, chemical vapor deposition, and self-assembly methods. It further elucidates the mechanisms by which their unique 3D porous structures enable thermal insulation and high mechanical strength. Additionally, it analyzes the critical roles of these porous networks in sound wave regulation, infrared stealth, visible light management, and radar wave absorption. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of carbon-based aerogels as next-generation multifunctional stealth coatings for future fighter aircraft are discussed, highlighting their strategic potential in broadband and multispectral compatible stealth.