Jovana Vukajlovic
Solar scattering using silica aerogels.
Email: j.vukajlovic2@ncl.ac.uk
Project title
Diamond-doped silica aerogels for solar scattering
Supervisor
Project description
We are preparing and optically characterising a novel diamond/silica aerogel composite. This material could be injected into the stratosphere as aerosols. These would reflect the sunlight and decrease the Earth’s temperature.
The main part of the composite is diamond particles. These would scatter the solar radiation back and help with managing the incoming radiation from the Sun.
Along with a high refractive index, diamond is non-toxic and it does not absorb infrared (IR) light.
Silica aerogel meets the aerosol size requirements for safe human respiration. It is the material of choice due to its high porosity and suitability for doping. Also, silica aerogel is non-toxic, transparent and ultra-light.
Our computational results suggest that these aerosols would be more effective than any other material. The high reflectance of diamond and low density of silica aerogel would enable longer aerosol life in the atmosphere.
Qualifications
- MSc in Diamond Science and Technology, University of Warwick
- MSc in Ceramic Materials, University of Belgrade
- BSc in Material Science, University of Belgrade