Referred to as the "magical material that changes the world", the thermal insulation properties of aerogel have been widely recognized. However, questions regarding its electrical properties (conductivity/insulation) have long puzzled many users. Does aerogel conduct electricity? Will it pose an electric leakage risk when used in insulation scenarios? 
More than 90% of the aerogels used for insulation on the market are excellent insulators and do not conduct electricity at all; only a few specially modified carbon-based and metal-based aerogels have conductive properties, and their application scenarios are completely different. 
From the perspective of the material's nature, the core component of aerogel is nano-silicon dioxide, which is a natural inorganic insulating material. In its atomic structure, electrons are tightly bound within the covalent bonds and cannot move freely, lacking the "free electrons" necessary for generating an electric current. This fundamentally determines that the material does not possess electrical conductivity. 
From a microscopic structure analysis, the insulation property of the aerogel is further enhanced. The porosity of the aerogel is as high as 95% - 99.8%. Countless nanoscale pores form a "porous network", and the air filled in the pores is an excellent insulator, equivalent to building a layer of insulation barriers inside the material. Currents cannot penetrate and conduct through, and the insulation performance far exceeds that of traditional insulation materials. 
Let's speak with data. The insulating performance of aerogel is at the industry-leading level: the dielectric constant remains stable within the range of 1.002 - 1.003, the volume resistivity is greater than 10¹⁴ Ω·cm, and the breakdown strength is greater than 20 kV/mm. These indicators mean that even in harsh environments such as high voltage, high temperature, and high humidity, the material can maintain stable insulation and will not have problems such as leakage or electrostatic breakdown. 
Why is there the term "electric conductivity of aerogel"?
This is a misunderstanding of the material type. Carbon aerogels, graphene composite aerogels, metal aerogels, etc., by introducing conductive components (carbon nanotubes, metal particles, etc.), form a continuous conductive network, thus having conductivity. They are mainly used in high-tech fields such as battery electrodes, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, etc., and have nothing to do with construction and industrial insulation scenarios. 
In the construction field: Aerogel coatings are used for exterior walls and roofs. A 2mm thickness can achieve efficient insulation while reducing static electricity. They are suitable for places with high safety requirements such as residences, hospitals, and schools. 
Industrial field: Aerogel sheets are used for insulation of high-temperature pipelines, kilns, and reaction equipment, protecting against high-temperature corrosion and preventing electrical leakage. 
Electricity sector: Used for insulation and protection of cables and transformers, providing heat insulation while ensuring electrical safety. 
In addition to insulation and heat insulation, aerogel also has advantages such as A-level fire resistance, water resistance, anti-aging property, environmental friendliness, etc.
The aerogel coating is water-based and odorless, with a VOC content of ≤ 70g/L, and the construction is convenient; the aerogel felt is flexible and durable, capable of long-term use in the temperature range of -60℃ to 650℃, with no insulation performance degradation and a service life of up to 20 years. 
The electrical conductivity of aerogels depends on the type of material. Silica aerogels are high-performance insulators that do not conduct electricity and are safe and stable.