Emerging Fields in Sol-gel Science and Technology contains selected papers from the symposium on "Sol-Gel and Vitreous Materials and Applications" held during the International Materials Research Congress in Cancun, Mexico in August 2002. One hundred and twenty researchers representing 10 countries attended this symposium. Some of the subjects covered in this symposium include 1.) synthesis of new materials endowed with outstanding and non-conventional optical, magnetic, electrical, thermal, catalytic, and mechanical properties; 2.) study of the sorption properties of model porous materials in order to test the validity of previous and recent theories; 3.) theoretical studies related to density functional theory, fractal and scaling law approaches, 4.) synthesis of biomaterials for use in medicine and pollution control; 5.) application of sol-gel colloids in the fine-chemistry industry in products such as fragrances and pharmaceuticals; 6.) development of special vitreous materials; 7.) implementation of inorganic thin films, and 8.) synthesis of materials for energy saving.

This indispensable handbook provides comprehensive coverage of the current state-of-the-art in inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels – from synthesis and characterization to cutting-edge applications and their potential market impact. Built upon Springer’s successful Aerogels Handbook published in 2011, this handbook features extensive revisions and timely updates, reflecting the changes in this fast-growing field.  Aerogels are the lightest solids known to man. Up to 1000 times lighter than glass and with a density only four times that of air, they possess extraordinarily high thermal, electrical, and acoustic insulation properties, and boast numerous entries in Guinness World Records. Originally based on silica, R&D efforts have extended this class of materials to incorporate non-silicate inorganic oxides, natural and synthetic organic polymers, carbon, metal, and ceramic materials. Composite systems involving polymer-crosslinked aerogels and interpenetrating hybrid networks have been developed and exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. Even more exotic aerogels based on clays, chalcogenides, phosphides, quantum dots, and biopolymers such as chitosan are opening new applications for the construction, transportation, energy, defense and healthcare industries. Applications in electronics, chemistry, mechanics, engineering, energy production and storage, sensors, medicine, nanotechnology, military and aerospace, oil and gas recovery, thermal insulation, and household uses are being developed. Readers of this fully updated and expanded edition will find an exhaustive source for all aerogel materials known today, their fabrication, upscaling aspects, physical and chemical properties, and the most recent advances towards applications and commercial use. This key reference is essential reading for a combined audience of graduate students, academic researchers, and industry professionals.

Emerging Fields in Sol-gel Science and Technology contains selected papers from the symposium on "Sol-Gel and Vitreous Materials and Applications" held during the International Materials Research Congress in Cancun, Mexico in August 2002. One hundred and twenty researchers representing 10 countries attended this symposium.

Some of the subjects covered in this symposium include 1.) synthesis of new materials endowed with outstanding and non-conventional optical, magnetic, electrical, thermal, catalytic, and mechanical properties; 2.) study of the sorption properties of model porous materials in order to test the validity of previous and recent theories; 3.) theoretical studies related to density functional theory, fractal and scaling law approaches, 4.) synthesis of biomaterials for use in medicine and pollution control; 5.) application of sol-gel colloids in the fine-chemistry industry in products such as fragrances and pharmaceuticals; 6.) development of special vitreous materials; 7.) implementation of inorganic thin films, and 8.) synthesis of materials for energy saving. "