Multifunctional Aerogels: Types, Synthesis and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The exceptional properties of aerogels, including their ultra-low density and high porosity, have long promised transformative applications from thermal insulation to catalysis. However, the conventional focus on synthesizing and characterizing individual materials with a single primary function has often fallen short in real-world scenarios, where multifunctional performance is paramount.

The next frontier in aerogel technology lies in engineering application-driven, multifunctional systems. The crucial challenge is no longer merely achieving a high surface area or low thermal conductivity but intelligently integrating complementary functions, such as mechanical robustness in insulating materials, selective permeability in separation, or coupled sensing and actuation in smart devices. Current limitations often stem from an inability to precisely control the nano- and micro-structure during synthesis and drying.

This Special Issue, "Multifunctional Aerogels: Types, Synthesis and Applications," is dedicated to bridging this gap between laboratory potential and practical deployment. We seek to showcase research that moves beyond proof-of-concept to address the complexities of real-world application. Key areas of interest include the following:

• Energy Applications: supercapacitors, batteries, and catalytic supports requiring both high surface area and electrical conductivity;
• Environmental Remediation: advanced sorbents and filters for water purification and gas separation that combine high capacity with selectivity and regenerability;
• Smart Devices: aerogels as responsive materials in sensors, drug delivery systems, and soft actuators;
• Sustainable and Scalable Manufacturing: pathways to cost-effective, environmentally benign production of multifunctional aerogels.

We cordially invite contributions of original research and reviews that demonstrate how multifunctional aerogels provide tangible solutions to applied challenges. By highlighting these advances, we aim to accelerate the transition of aerogels from remarkable materials to indispensable components in next-generation technologies.

Dr. Tian Mai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• multifunctional applications of aerogels
• types of aerogels
• synthesis and fabrication of aerogels
• structure of aerogels
• sustainability and life-cycle assessment of aerogels