How to Make Silica Aerogel: Part 1 (#5)

The first in a two-part series focused on the actual process, that is, the art, of making silica aerogels–namely, lab setup, safety measures, mixing of chemicals, gel processing, and, last but not least, supercritical drying. This first episode covers everything up until supercritical drying. For those without a traditional laboratory workspace, we think you’ll find this series particularly helpful.

Special thanks to Michael Grogan from the University of Bath for his contribution of the recipe used in this series!

Podcast #5 – How to Make Silica Aerogel: Part 1

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6 Responses to “How to Make Silica Aerogel: Part 1 (#5)”

  1. jim bell says:

    Within a few weeks I want to produce an aerogel using a special, new process, intending that it be much more transparent than existing gels. (For use as a window insulation). However, I would like to find a person who (for money) will do the super-critical extraction necessary to turn the gel into aerogel. Please email jimdbell@q.com. Thank you.

  2. Kalyan Ram says:

    Hi,
    Im planning to make silica aerogels in my college lab, and while studying the literature for making the aerogels it was suggested that a web-cage (mesh) could be used to contain the sol-gel while placing it in the manuclave for supercritical drying. I would like to know what kind of mesh would be suitable for containing the sol-gel without any of it leaking out. In particular, what should be the density of the mesh?

  3. Stephen Steiner says:

    Part 2 is now available!

  4. Stephen Steiner says:

    Part 2 is coming in two weeks! Stay posted.

  5. Mark Dowson says:

    Really interesting and useful podcast. When can we expect ‘Part 2’ to be available??

  6. excellent, many thanks