Aerogels: Promising Materials for Environmental Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Aerogels are a class of nanostructured porous materials that have attracted great attention among different porous materials due to their unique properties, including high porosity, large surface area, low density, thermal and mechanical stability, and tunable surface chemistry. Functionalized aerogels were found to be useful in the fields of adsorption, catalysis, sensing, energy storage, conversion devices, etc. The use of aerogels in environmental applications has shown exponential growth due to their high capacity, durability, and longevity. Aerogels can capture and store volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, and other air pollutants, helping to improve air quality. In addition, aerogels can effectively immobilize radioactive waste and remove contaminants from water, including heavy metals, oils, and pesticides.

This Special Issue is dedicated to highlighting advances in aerogel technology and the use of functionalized aerogels with improved mechanical properties, which are cost-effective for environmental applications. The topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Synthesis of functionalized aerogels based on biopolymers, synthetic, and natural materials from inorganic, organic, and hybrid aerogels, which are prepared with unique properties and functionalities.
• Physicochemical characterization of novel aerogels.
• Application in wastewater treatment (adsorption, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis), gas detection, and capture.

We look forward to the submission of full papers, communications, and reviews.

Dr. Islam Minisy
Dr. Durga Parajuli
Guest Editors

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