Applications of RF Aerogels

Efficient separation of gases or liquids with nanoporous membrane is an emerging technology [75]. Aerogels may provide a convenient platform for those applications. However, organic aerogels such as RF give freedom not only to tune the desired porosity required as per application, but also to tune the physical shape of the material (monoliths and films) in order to make the separation process more efficient. 

RF aerogels are mainly pursued as precursors for nanoparticulate carbon and carbon aerogels. Thus, RF aerogels provide an ability to mne properties such as surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, dielectric constants, and electrical cmiductivity in the final carbon particles by tuning the initial processing conditions. 

The most critical factors that determine the final characteristics of the RF aerogels are the type and catalyst concentration (with respect to the reactants), the pH of sol, and the 

Fricke J (1988) Aerogels highly tenuous solids with fascinating properties. JNon-Ciyst Solids 100 169-173. 

Fricke J (1992) Aerogels and their appUcatims. J Non-Cryst Solids 147 148 356 62. 

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