First aerogels
Kistler made the first aerogels by drying gels without collapsing them.
As reported in: KISTLER (1931). Coherent Expanded Aerogels and Jellies. Nature. doi:10.1038/127741a0
Abstract only
Aerogels (including cellulose aerogels): uses in research
Also: nanocellulose aerogel, aerogel
Aerogels are ultralight solids made by replacing the liquid in a gel with air. Cellulose versions are studied for oil cleanup and insulation.
Readiness: lab lab studies · prototype demonstrated objects · commercial products or buildings in real use · review summaries of other studies.
materials science
Nanocellulose gels and aerogels review
De France and colleagues reviewed hydrogels and aerogels containing nanocellulose.
As reported in: De France, Hoare, Cranston (2017). Review of Hydrogels and Aerogels Containing Nanocellulose. Chemistry of Materials. doi:10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b00531
water treatment
Nanocellulose aerogel oil sponge
Korhonen and colleagues made floating, reusable nanocellulose aerogels that soak up oil.
Built / tested: oil absorbent
As reported in: Korhonen, Kettunen, Ras et al. (2011). Hydrophobic Nanocellulose Aerogels as Floating, Sustainable, Reusable, and Recyclable Oil Absorbents. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. doi:10.1021/am200475b
Abstract only