Preparation, performance enhancement, and applications of mineral-based aerogels: A review

Abstract

Aerogels, an important class of ultra-lightweight porous functional materials, have attracted extensive research attention and have been widely applied in adsorption, catalysis, energy storage, and thermal insulation. However, the widespread adoption of traditional aerogels is often limited by high production costs, complex synthesis procedures, and limited environmental sustainability. In recent years, the incorporation of naturally abundant mineral materials into aerogel structures has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations. Leveraging the intrinsic advantages of minerals, such as high mechanical strength, excellent stability, and broad availability, mineral integration not only enhances the overall performance of aerogels but also significantly improves their cost-effectiveness. Despite these advancements, research on mineral-based aerogels remains fragmented and lacks systematic consolidation. This review critically examines how different raw materials and fabrication methodologies influence the structural and functional properties of mineral-based aerogels. Furthermore, this review elucidates the reinforcement mechanisms imparted by mineral components and highlights the diverse practical applications enabled by these hybrid systems. Finally, the current technical challenges and bottlenecks hindering the development of mineral-based aerogels are summarized, and future research directions are proposed.

Keywords

Natural minerals / Aerogel / Porous materials / Performance enhancement / Applications

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