Aerogels are extremely light, porous materials that look solid but feel dry and fragile. Learn how they work and why they are unique.

Aerogels were first developed in the 1930s and commercialized in the 1940s. Despite their amazing properties, they remain a niche material.

Aerogels cost more than gold! Their complex production process limits widespread use. Can technology make them more affordable?

Removing liquid from a gel without collapsing its structure is key to making aerogels. This results in an ultra-light, solid structure.

Aerogels are 90-99.8% air! They block heat and are some of the best insulators known, but they are also fragile.

Silica aerogels are the most common type. They are used in insulation, scientific research, and even space missions.

NASA uses aerogels for spacecraft insulation and even for collecting cosmic dust in space missions.

The tiny pores in aerogels block heat transfer, keeping buildings and equipment cool without air conditioning.

Aerogels are used to reduce energy consumption by insulating homes, industrial equipment, and even pipelines.

Aerogels are being explored for medical uses, such as organ storage and drug delivery systems.

Scaling up aerogel production could unlock its full potential. Researchers are working on making them cheaper and more durable.

From space exploration to sustainable buildings, aerogels have the potential to reshape industries if their costs can be lowered.