Mechanically Strengthened Aerogels through Multiscale, Multicompositional, and Multidimensional Approaches: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Aerogels are lightweight, porous nanomaterials with diverse applications.
• Low mechanical durability limits aerogel processing and structural applications.
• Mechanically strengthened aerogels are a key area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in mechanically strengthened aerogels.
• To summarize multicompositional and multidimensional synthesis strategies.
• To discuss future commercialization trends for aerogels.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on aerogel synthesis and modification.
• Analysis of multicompositional approaches for mechanical enhancement.
• Evaluation of multidimensional strategies for improved aerogel strength.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in enhancing aerogel mechanical strength.
• Various synthesis modifications have advanced aerogel multifunctional capabilities.
• Multicompositional and multidimensional approaches are effective.

Conclusions:

• Mechanically strengthened aerogels show great promise for commercialization.
• Further research into synthesis and processing is needed.
• Aerogels could become viable plastic alternatives.