xerogelejä

Xerogels are a type of dried gel. Gels are typically composed of a solid network that extends throughout a liquid phase. When a gel dries, it can undergo a significant volume shrinkage, leading to the formation of a xerogel. This process involves the removal of the liquid component, often through evaporation under ambient conditions. As the liquid evaporates, capillary forces within the gel structure can cause the solid network to collapse and densify.

The resulting xerogel is a solid material characterized by a high surface area and a porous structure. The pore size distribution and overall porosity of a xerogel depend on the original gel structure and the drying method employed. Xerogels are distinct from aerogels, which are dried using supercritical fluid extraction to minimize structural collapse and preserve a more open, less dense network.

Xerogels find applications in various fields due to their unique properties. They can be used as adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from water or air, as catalyst supports, in chromatographic separations, and as components in composite materials. Their high surface area makes them effective in applications where surface interactions are important. The specific properties of a xerogel, such as its pore volume and surface area, can be tailored by controlling the synthesis and drying conditions of the parent gel.