Polymer Aerogels for Energy Storage and Water Purification Applications

Abstract

The increase in energy demand and global water scarcity lead to the extensive research for the development of high performance aerogels. Significantly, aerogel based materials are emerging as a promising candidates for diverse applications such as thermal insulation, filtration, oil–water separation, and energy storage applications. Aerogels have remarkable physical properties such as ultra-low thermal conductivity, extremely low density and high specific surface area. Thus, understanding the chemistry of polymer-based aerogels, so as to tune their physical and chemical properties can deliver high performance materials. Therefore, the present book chapter illustrate the fundamental concepts, comprehensive information and development of polymer-based aerogels and their application in energy storage and water purification. More specifically, material choice for high performance aerogels, their physical and chemical properties, and their application in energy storage and water treatment processes are briefly discussed.