Novel interpenetrating 3 D network polyaniline/phenolic aerogel with combined thermal and electrical performances

A novel interpenetrating three‐dimensional (3D) network polyaniline/phenolic (AP/RF) aerogel was prepared via a three‐step method. Micro‐, thermal, and electrical analyses were conducted for analyzing the pore morphology, thermal, and electrical performance of the aerogel. From the experimental results, AP/RF aerogel prepared by a three‐step compound method and freeze‐drying exhibited an interpenetrating 3D network structure with nanopores. In addition, compared with single AP aerogel, AP/RF aerogel had lower heat conductivity and higher heat‐resistance. What's more, it exhibited superior electrical performance as compared with that of RF aerogel. In general, AP/RF aerogel with low heat conductivity [0.022 W/(m K)], high heat resistance, electrical conductivity (0.09 S/cm), and specific capacitance (420 F/g) exhibited more excellent thermal and electrical comprehensive performance than single AP or RF aerogels. It will have good application prospect in the fields of electrical components. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135 , 45953.