Functional Aerogels: Chemistry, Processing Strategies, and Advanced Applications
A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Chemistry and Physics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 205
Special Issue Editors
Interests: aerogels; activated carbon; pyrolysis; adsorption; thermal insulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: metal aerogels; hydrogels; nanoscience; electrocatalysis; smart materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: battery thermal safety; aerogel thermal insulation materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, the field of aerogels has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from classical thermal super-insulators into a versatile and dynamic class of functional materials. This Special Issue is dedicated to exploring this interdisciplinary area where tailored chemistry, innovative processing strategies, and cutting-edge advanced applications converge to define the next generation of aerogels. The journey begins with molecular design—the precise engineering of composition using inorganic, organic, carbonaceous, or hybrid precursors, and the intentional grafting of functional groups to achieve targeted properties such as electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, and responsiveness to stimuli. However, translating these nanoscale designs into macroscopic, robust architectures presents a central challenge, making the processing strategy a critical pillar of research. This encompasses novel gelation routes, advanced drying techniques (from supercritical to ambient-pressure methods), and post-synthetic modifications that determine the material's integrity, form factor, and scalability. Ultimately, it is the synergy between chemistry and processing that unlocks unprecedented performance in advanced applications. We invite contributions that highlight topics such as functional aerogels in energy storage and conversion (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis), environmental technologies (e.g., adsorption, filtration, and sensing), and biomedicine. This issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for sharing breakthroughs that address both fundamental questions and practical hurdles, fostering the development of aerogels that are not only structurally exquisite but also functionally transformative, addressing global technological challenges.
Dr. Song He
Prof. Dr. Ran Du
Dr. Yajun Huang
Guest Editors
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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.
Keywords
- aerogels
- functional aerogels
- energy storage and conversion
- batteries
- supercapacitors
- catalysis
- environmental technologies
- adsorption
- sensing
- stimuli-responsiveness
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