Recent Aerogel Developments

The author is very grateful to researchers in the Mines ParisTech centers, France, and in particular to Berthon-Fabry Sandrine, Rigacci A, and Berger M-H for providing photographs of aerogels included in this chapter. 

Kistler SS (1932) Coherent expanded aerogels. J Phys Chem 36 52-64 

Brinker CJ, Scherer GW (1990) Sol-gel science. The physics and chemistry of sol-gel processing. Academic Press, New-Yrak (a) p461 (b) p523 (c) p97 

Gash AE, TiUots m TM, Satcher Jr. JH, Hrubesh LW, Simpson RL (2001) New sol-gel synthetic route to transititm and main-group metal oxide aerogels using inorganic salt precursors. J Non Cryst Solids 285 22-28 

Pierre AC, Baret G (2005) Preparation and characterization of transparent Eu doped Y2O3 aerogel monoUths, for application in luminescence. J Non Cryst Solids 351 218-227 

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Pajonk GM, Venkateswara Rao A (2001) From sol-gel chemistry to the applications of some inorganic and/or organic aerogels. Recent Res Develop Non-Crystalline Solids 1 1-20... 

The final chapters present recent advances in the field of carbon nanotube/ polymer nanocomposite aerogels and related materials as well as a review of the nanocomposite foams generated from high-performance thermoplastics. Summing up the most recent research developments in the area of polymer nanocomposite foams, this book provides background information for readers new to the field and serves as a reference text for researchers. 

Two more recent appHcations for amorphous siHcas are expected to grow to large volumes. Precipitated siHcas are used ia the manufacture of separator sheets placed between cells ia automotive batteries. Their function is to provide a controlled path for the migration of conductive ions as a result of the porosity of the siHca particles. Additionally, both precipitated siHcas and aerogels are being developed for use ia low temperature iasulation, where the low thermal conductivity of the dry siHca powders makes them useful ia consumer products such as refrigerators (83). 

The recent developments in science and technology require a more exact control of structure/ nanotexture and properties of various materials, including carbon materials. In order to meet the requirements for carbon materials, various novel carbonization processes have been proposed. In relation to electrochemistry, the following processes have to be mentioned template method, polymer blend method, defluorination of fluorinated hydrocarbons, and carbonization of organic aerogels [99],... 

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