Multi-functional aerogel applications

A novel, multi-functional aerogel with potential to address environmental challenges like wastewater treatment, industrial pollution and oil-water spills has been developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. The gels are ultra-lightweight, highly porous materials with a large surface area and exceptional adsorption properties, making them ideal for a wide range of environmental and industrial applications.

The team developed a hybrid aerogel by combining MXene – a two-dimensional material known for its high conductivity and chemical reactivity – with carbon foam. By introducing phosphorus doping into the MXene framework, the researchers significantly improved its PMS activation capability, enabling the efficient breakdown of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater.

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Beyond wastewater treatment, the aerogel also exhibited excellent performance in oil-water separation. Its porous architecture selectively absorbs oil while repelling water, making it highly effective for cleaning up oil spills and treating industrial effluents. The product also functions as a flexible strain sensor, its electrical resistance changes in response to mechanical stress, opening applications in wearable electronics, smart devices, and structural health monitoring systems.