Nanocomposite Aerogels by Methanol Supercritical Drying

This review paper deals with the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite aerogels. The use of 1 to 10 mole % Al₂O₃ as a second phase prevented densification of silica and led to high surface areas and mesoporosity at 1000¸C in nanocomposite aluminosilicate aerogels. Composite aerogels have also been prepared from silica and different natural and synthetic minerals. These second phases also prevented densification of silica and led to high surface area materials which may be useful as catalyst substrates. High surface area (~ 1220 m²/g) hydrophobic aerogels have been prepared for potential natural gas storage.