Hybrid Aerogels

Abstract

Development of aerogel materials has been demanded in terms of increasing mechanical strength and functionalization for extended applications such as thermal superinsulators. Organic–inorganic hybridization is one of the key strategies for these purposes in aerogel science and technology as in other materials demonstrated in the sol–gel field. Herein recent topics in organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels are overviewed. Special emphasis is placed on transparent hybrid aerogels based on organopolysiloxane networks with improved mechanical strength obtained through careful controls over fundamental sol–gel parameters such as pH and additives. Effective organic–inorganic hybridization opens the possibility of cost-effective ambient pressure drying toward xerogels that possess properties comparable with aerogels obtained by supercritical drying.