Issue 30, 2024

Harnessing the power of silica aerogels for applications in energy and water sustainability

Abstract

Clean water and green energy are inextricably linked as the production of affordable fresh water necessitates substantial energy consumption, while water scarcity could obstruct the energy transition. Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to water and energy resources. In recent decades, the SiO2 aerogel, characterized by its lightweight, highly porous, and thermally insulating properties, has emerged as a versatile material capable of addressing the challenges of providing sustainable energy and clean water. Researchers have made significant progress in developing SiO2 aerogel synthesis techniques and integrating it with other nanostructured functional materials and sustainable technologies. This review paper provides a concise overview of SiO2 aerogel synthesis and its properties, including thermal insulation, mechanical strength, optical transparency, and wettability. The paper also summarizes the role of SiO2 aerogels in environmental applications as a thermal insulator, solar-thermal collector, porous support, and adsorbent. With particular attention focused on the functions of SiO2 aerogels in various solar energy harvesting and conversion technologies, the paper aims to stimulate innovative thinking in the exploration of advanced technologies for the water-energy nexus. This review concludes with a discussion of the key challenges and future perspectives for SiO2 aerogel applications.

Graphical abstract: Harnessing the power of silica aerogels for applications in energy and water sustainability

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
25 Jan 2024
Accepted
28 May 2024
First published
30 May 2024

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 18879-18900

Harnessing the power of silica aerogels for applications in energy and water sustainability

M. H. Tai and P. S. Kumar, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, 12, 18879 DOI: 10.1039/D4TA00568F

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements