As climate change drives hotter and drier conditions, fire seasons are growing longer, with wildfires becoming more frequent and severe. Recent years have seen catastrophic wildfires destroy homes, infrastructure, and natural resources, causing devastating losses in lives and livelihoods, and significantly impacting the economy. The urgent need for new solutions to combat wildfires and protect vulnerable areas has never been greater.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel water-enhancing gel that can be sprayed on homes and critical infrastructure to help protect them during wildfires. The study, published on August 21 in *Advanced Materials*, reveals that this new gel is far more durable and effective than existing commercial alternatives.
“Current water-enhancing gels dry out within 45 minutes under typical wildfire conditions,” said Eric Appel, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford, and the senior author of the paper. “Our gel offers a wider application window—you can apply it well in advance of a fire and still receive protection when the fire arrives.”
Water-enhancing gels are typically made from super-absorbent polymers, similar to those found in disposable diapers. When mixed with water and sprayed on a building, they swell into a gelatinous substance that clings to surfaces, forming a thick, wet barrier. However, the extreme dryness near wildfires—characterized by temperatures approaching 100 degrees, high winds, and zero humidity—causes even these gels to evaporate rapidly.
Appel and his team’s new gel goes beyond just water for protection. In addition to a cellulose-based polymer, their gel contains silica particles that remain after the gel is exposed to heat. “We’ve discovered a unique phenomenon where a soft, squishy hydrogel transitions into a robust aerogel shield when heated, providing enhanced and lasting wildfire protection. This eco-friendly breakthrough surpasses current commercial solutions, offering a superior and scalable defense against wildfires,” said Changxin “Lyla” Dong, the lead author of the study.
Press release – Stanford University – School of Engineering
