About this Research Topic

Background

Aerogels are a fascinating class of materials known for their extraordinary properties such as low density, high porosity, and exceptional thermal insulative capabilities, prompting wide interest in applications ranging from thermal insulation and photocatalysis to protective uses. Despite their advantages, aerogels contend with significant setbacks like fragility, high production costs, and practical handling challenges. Recent research has delved into optimizing the photocatalytic and insulative functionalities of aerogels by enhancing their composition and microstructure, which benefits from their extensive surface area and porosity. New fabrication methods including the innovative use of vinyltrimethoxysilane and polymethylhydrosiloxane chains have led to more flexible and superhydrophobic aerogels with better structural integrity and thermal resilience. Yet, issues like the fragility and moisture sensitivity of silica aerogels still impede their broader application, driving further research into more durable, hydrophobic aerogels that can endure extreme conditions.

This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding and expand the development of aerogels, particularly by enhancing their mechanical durability, thermal resistance, and economic viability without compromising their unique insulating and photocatalytic properties. The objective is to discover and refine innovative fabrication techniques, material compositions, and design variations that can surmount aerogels' inherent challenges. Through this exploration, the research targets significant improvements in the functionality and applicability of aerogels for roles in energy storage, thermal protection, and ecological tasks such as CO2 capture and oil-water separation.

To gather further insights in the realm of aerogel technology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Advances in silica and carbon aerogels applications
- Innovations in aerogel fabrication techniques and material optimization
- Strategies for enhancing aerogels' mechanical and thermal stability
- Cost-effective production methods for aerogels
- Development of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic aerogels for diverse uses
- Aerogel applications in energy storage and thermal insulation
- Utilization of aerogels in environmental protection, including CO2 mitigation and oil-water separation
- Approaches to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of aerogels
- Aerogels in high-temperature scenarios and fireproofing
- Polymer-reinforced aerogels’ design and synthesis for enhanced performance

In aiming to broaden the impact and practicality of aerogels, this Research Topic also encourages submissions of original research articles, review articles, and perspective pieces that shed light on the aforementioned themes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: Silica aerogels, Carbon aerogels, Properties, Thermal insulation, Energy storage, Catalysis, Environmental remediation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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