Advances in Aerogel Composites for Environmental Remediation

Aerogel composites are used in environmental remediation to address common day-to-day environmental problems and present solutions. The book discusses fabrication, design, and applications of various aerogel composites, comparing and contrasting their properties and advantages with traditional materials.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2021
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Aerogel composites have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential in environmental remediation. Aerogels are highly porous materials made from silica, which can be used to absorb and remove pollutants from water, soil, and air. They offer several advantages over traditional materials, including high surface area, low density, and excellent thermal and chemical stability.

One of the primary applications of aerogel composites in environmental remediation is in the treatment of contaminated water. Aerogels can be used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and bacteria from water sources, making them safe for drinking and other uses. They can also be used to treat wastewater, which can be a major source of pollution. Aerogels can be used in a variety of treatment processes, including adsorption, filtration, and photocatalysis.

Adsorption is a process in which pollutants are attracted to the surface of the aerogel and then removed from the water. Aerogels can be made with a variety of materials, including activated carbon, which is highly effective at removing pollutants. Filtration is a process in which pollutants are removed from water by passing it through a filter. Aerogels can be used to create filters that are more efficient than traditional filters, and they can be used to remove pollutants from a wide range of water sources. Photocatalysis is a process in which pollutants are broken down by the action of light. Aerogels can be used to create photocatalytic filters that can remove pollutants from water and air.

Aerogel composites can also be used in the treatment of contaminated soil. Aerogels can be used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and bacteria from soil, making it safe for agricultural use. They can also be used to treat soil that has been contaminated by oil spills or other environmental disasters. Aerogels can be used in a variety of treatment processes, including soil washing, soil remediation, and soil stabilization.

In addition to their use in environmental remediation, aerogel composites have a wide range of other applications. They can be used in the construction of buildings, as insulation, and as a thermal barrier. They can also be used in the manufacturing of electronics, as a substrate for microelectronics, and as a material for medical devices.

Despite their many advantages, aerogel composites have some limitations. One of the primary limitations is their cost. Aerogels are expensive to produce, and they can be difficult to transport and install. Additionally, they can be sensitive to moisture, which can cause them to degrade over time.

To address these limitations, researchers and practitioners are working to develop new and improved aerogel composites. One of the most promising approaches is the use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology can be used to create aerogels with smaller pores, which can increase their surface area and improve their ability to absorb and remove pollutants. Nanotechnology can also be used to create aerogels with improved thermal and chemical stability, which can make them more durable in a variety of environments.

Another approach to improving aerogel composites is the use of natural materials. Natural materials such as wood, cotton, and wool can be used to create aerogels with a variety of properties, including high surface area, low density, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. Natural materials can also be more environmentally friendly than traditional materials.

In addition to their use in environmental remediation, aerogel composites have a wide range of other applications. They can be used in the construction of buildings, as insulation, and as a thermal barrier. They can also be used in the manufacturing of electronics, as a substrate for microelectronics, and as a material for medical devices.

Despite their many advantages, aerogel composites have some limitations. One of the primary limitations is their cost. Aerogels are expensive to produce, and they can be difficult to transport and install. Additionally, they can be sensitive to moisture, which can cause them to degrade over time.

To address these limitations, researchers and practitioners are working to develop new and improved aerogel composites. One of the most promising approaches is the use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology can be used to create aerogels with smaller pores, which can increase their surface area and improve their ability to absorb and remove pollutants. Nanotechnology can also be used to create aerogels with improved thermal and chemical stability, which can make them more durable in a variety of environments.

Another approach to improving aerogel composites is the use of natural materials. Natural materials such as wood, cotton, and wool can be used to create aerogels with a variety of properties, including high surface area, low density, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. Natural materials can also be more environmentally friendly than traditional materials.

In conclusion, aerogel composites have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential in environmental remediation. Aerogels are highly porous materials made from silica, which can be used to absorb and remove pollutants from water, soil, and air. They offer several advantages over traditional materials, including high surface area, low density, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. Despite their many advantages, aerogel composites have some limitations, including their cost and sensitivity to moisture. To address these limitations, researchers and practitioners are working to develop new and improved aerogel composites. Nanotechnology and natural materials are two promising approaches to improving aerogel composites.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128207321