Advanced nanofabrication for elastic inorganic aerogels

Inorganic aerogels with low density, high porosity, large specific surface area, and superior mechanical properties are excellent candidate materials in fields such as thermal management, energy, catalysis, and biomedical applications. A comprehensive overview of existing elastic inorganic aerogels is provided, covering their structural units, preparation methods, mechanical performances, and applications. Meanwhile, based on the constituent building blocks and microstructures, a detailed analysis of the mechanical properties and guidelines for elastic design of aerogels is presented. Concluding with a succinct summary of prospective developmental direction, this review deliberates on the challenges and potential opportunities of elastic inorganic aerogels, with the intent of providing a versatile platform for designing new types of elastic inorganic aerogels for various applications.