Aerogels: a comprehensive analysis from nanostructures to future science and technology - classification, innovation and application revolution

1. The “Ultimate Form” of the Material Industry: Aerogel Technology at a Glance

Definition & Unique Properties

Certified by Guinness World Records as the “lightest solid,” aerogel’s three-dimensional nano-network structure delivers 15 core advantages: ultra-low density (3 kg/m³), 99.8% porosity, thermal conductivity as low as 0.013 W/m·K, and a specific surface area up to 1200 m²/g — enabling unmatched insulation, adsorption, and structural versatility.

[Microstructure illustration: nanoscale network framework and pores]

Milestones in Aerogel Evolution

• 1931 – Kistler synthesizes the first silica aerogel
• 1980 – Lawrence Berkeley Lab pioneers supercritical drying
• 2016 – NASA deploys aerogel for space dust collection
• 2023 – MIT achieves scalable aerogel 3D printing

2. Decoding the Aerogel Classification System

2.1 Inorganic Aerogels

Silica Aerogel – Chinese Academy of Sciences develops flexible self-cleaning SiO₂ aerogel (2022).

Preparation process & thermal conductivity comparison (W/m·K):

• TEOS + supercritical CO₂: 0.018150
• Sodium silicate + atmospheric drying: 0.02580
• Rice husk ash + freeze drying: 0.02250

Metal Oxide Aerogels – Alumina aerogel withstands 1600 °C; ZrO₂ aerogel makes strides in nuclear shielding.

2.2 Organic Aerogels

Breakthroughs include polyimide aerogels (Aspen Aerogels) and biodegradable cellulose aerogels (VTT Finland), excelling in flexibility and eco-friendliness.

2.3 Carbon Aerogels

Key innovations: anti-oxidation coatings (SiC/TiO₂) raise temperature resistance to 800 °C; graphene composites boost specific capacitance by 300%. Tesla’s 2023 Model S uses carbon aerogel electrodes.

2.4 Composite Aerogels

Advanced designs include SiO₂@Al₂O₃ core-shell gradients, graphene/PI interpenetrating networks, and SiC/CNTs composites applied in J-20 stealth coatings.

3. Preparation Technology Revolution

Six Core Process Evolutions

1. Optimized sol–gel chemistry
2. Next-gen supercritical drying
3. Efficient atmospheric drying
4. 3D printing shaping
5. Molecular self-assembly
6. AI-driven parameter optimization

Global Tech Roadmap

• USA – Aspen Aerogels’ fiber-reinforced composites
• China – Guangdong Elison’s atmospheric drying production line
• Germany – BASF bio-based precursors

4. Trillion-Dollar Market Applications

New Energy – CATL’s Kirin battery insulation; Longi’s photovoltaic sealing systems.

Frontier Technologies – NASA’s Mars thermal protection; deep-sea 10 km submersible insulation.

Innovative Civil Products – Smart temperature-regulating clothing; energy-saving architectural glass.

5. Future Technology Outlook (2025–2032)

• 2025: Commercial biodegradable aerogels
• 2028: Self-repairing smart aerogels
• 2030: Quantum dot composite optoelectronics
• 2032: Space in-situ manufacturing

With the EU’s “Aerogel 2030” initiative and China’s “14th Five-Year Plan” pushing forward, aerogels are transitioning from laboratories into homes, vehicles, and space missions. Mastering this material could define the next chapter in advanced materials science.