Adsorptive removals of pollutants using aerogels and its composites

Abstract This chapter throws light on adsorptive removal of pollutants using novel materials aerogels and its composites for environmental remediation. First, the founding work of Samuel Stephens Kistler is summarized. Second, all the steps involved in sol-gel process used for the synthesis of aerogels and its composites are discussed. Subsequently, developments of different types of aerogels used for air and water purification are elaborated. Lastly, applications of aerogels and its composites in air cleaning and water treatment are reviewed thoroughly. In this, adsorptive removal of air contaminants such as CO2 and toxic volatile organic compounds using aerogels and its composites are described. Afterward, elimination of water contaminants such as hazardous heavy metal ions, oils and toxic organic compounds using aerogels and its composites are elaborated. The combination of adsorption and catalytic or photocatalytic applications of aerogels and its composites for the elimination of gaseous and aqueous contaminants from environment are discussed in detail. Furthermore, recent developments and some new approaches are also incorporated in this chapter.