Anisotropic PI/rGO aerogels for multifunctional thermal protection and wearable sensing

High-performance aerogels featuring exceptional thermal insulation and integrated motion-sensing capabilities are pivotal for the advancement of next-generation flexible electronics and protective systems in extreme environments. However, achieving a synergistic balance between multi-functional integration within a single lightweight framework remains a significant challenge due to the structural limitations of conventional isotropic materials. Inspired by the hierarchical porous structures of aquatic plants, we herein report an anisotropic polyimide/reduced graphene oxide aerogel (PI/rGOA) with a biomimetic architecture, fabricated via a synergistic strategy of directional freezing and interfacial regulation. This approach combines directional freezing with hydrogen-bonding-assisted interfacial regulation between polyimide nanofibers (PINF) and graphene oxide (GO), enabling the construction of highly ordered anisotropic channels. The resulting PI/rGOA demonstrates superior thermal regulation, maintaining substantial temperature gradients at both −190 and 200 °C, while exhibiting rapid self-extinguishing behavior and structural integrity under a 1300 °C flame. Furthermore, the simultaneous regulation of heat conduction and infrared radiation enables effective stealth performance. The sensor encapsulated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) provides high sensitivity and stability over 500 cycles. Overall, this work provides a versatile paradigm for developing multifunctional and structurally ordered materials, offering a promising solution for aerospace, defense, and wearable electronic devices.