Aerogel, recognized as the world's lightest solid, has been listed in the Guinness World Records. This new material has a density of just 3.55 kilograms per cubic meter—only 2.75 times that of air—while the density of dry pine wood (500 kg/m³) is 140 times greater. Though it appears like frozen smoke, its composition is similar to glass. 
Aerogels possess a three-dimensional nano-porous structure, characterized by high porosity, low weight, extremely low density, excellent thermal insulation, and non-combustibility, making them highly promising for applications in thermal insulation, sound absorption, hydrogen storage, and catalysis. 
Advantages of Aerogel Materials 
1. Thermal insulation and energy efficiency 
A 3mm aerogel insulation material provides thermal performance equivalent to that of a 60mm traditional insulation board. 
2. Fireproof 
Fire resistance rating of Class A1, higher than that of traditional insulation materials. Additionally, it has strong crack resistance, preventing cracking or even detachment of the insulation material and exterior finish caused by thermal expansion and contraction. 
3. Green and eco-friendly 
Nano water-based material, free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), non-toxic and harmless. 
4. Simple construction process 
Traditional insulation materials require 7 to 15 construction steps, while aerogel materials for building fireproofing and energy conservation involve only five steps using spray application, effectively reducing construction difficulty and shortening the construction cycle. 
5. Easy to clean 
The aerogel coating has a smooth surface that resists stain adhesion, making it easy to clean and wash regularly. 
6. Long service life 
Traditional materials have a service life of 3 to 5 years, while aerogel materials can last up to 15 years. 
Applications of Aerogels 
01
Application in Wall Insulation 
Aerogel materials are inorganic thermal insulation materials with a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.020 W/(m·K), which is one-third that of expanded perlite insulation mortar and half that of EPS/XPS boards. Compared to both existing organic and inorganic insulation materials, aerogel materials offer significant advantages. 
Aerogel materials can be used to produce integrated insulation and decorative panels, offering advantages in construction and enabling factory-based prefabrication with economies of scale—something that on-site insulation systems cannot match. 
This is currently the most widely used method for applying aerogel materials in the construction industry. 
02
Applications in Thermal Insulation Materials 
The aerogel particles have a particle size of 0.5–5.0 mm, a density of 40–380 kg/m³, and pore sizes ranging from 25 to 45 nm, allowing the preparation of aerogel particles with suitable size and density by controlling process conditions. These aerogel particles can be combined with conventional inorganic cementitious materials to produce thermal insulation mortar, whose composition can be adjusted according to specific applications for use as an external wall insulation layer. 
The most widely used thermal insulation mortar product currently is expanded glass microbead insulation mortar, with a dry density of 80–120 kg/m³ and a thermal conductivity of 0.045–0.07 W/(m·K). Therefore, incorporating aerogel particles into insulation mortars not only appears feasible but also offers distinct advantages, given the ultra-low thermal conductivity of aerogel materials. 
03
Applications in sound insulation and vibration reduction 
The high density and porous structure of aerogels give them excellent sound absorption properties, enabling effective absorption and reflection of sound waves, making them suitable as sound insulation and vibration damping materials. In the construction industry, aerogels can be used for noise reduction and vibration control within buildings, such as in floor insulation and pipe soundproofing, effectively reducing noise pollution and improving indoor environmental comfort. 
In addition, aerogels can be used in components such as shock absorbers and engine hoods to enhance the vibration damping performance of equipment. 
04
Applications in air purification 
Aerogels also have the ability to adsorb gases and purify air, making them suitable for use in air purifiers within the construction industry. 
Aerogels can adsorb particulate matter and toxic gases from the air, purifying it and improving indoor air quality.