The COST Action “Advanced Engineering and Research of Aerogels for Environmental and Life Sciences” (AERoGELS) (CA18125) focused on the development of advanced aerogel materials with the aim of expanding their applications in life sciences, environmental technologies, and engineering fields. The project promoted the development of innovative synthesis techniques, optimization of structural, mechanical, and functional properties of aerogels, and their integration into various industrial and scientific applications.
In the construction sector, aerogels are distinguished by their exceptional thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for use as high-performance insulating materials in building facades, roofs, and window systems. Aerogel inserts can be integrated into glazing units to enhance energy efficiency without compromising light transmission. Furthermore, aerogels provide excellent acoustic insulation and can be used as soundproofing elements in buildings and infrastructure projects. Due to their non-combustible nature, aerogels are also applied as fire-resistant layers in building structures, improving safety and resilience against extreme temperatures.
In the medical field, aerogels are highly valued for their biocompatibility, high porosity, and large surface area. These properties make them suitable as drug delivery carriers for controlled release systems, including implants and injectable formulations offering prolonged active substance release. In tissue engineering, aerogels are used as three-dimensional scaffolds for cell growth, supporting bone regeneration and soft tissue reconstruction. Additionally, aerogels are utilized in advanced wound care products, such as dressings that absorb wound exudates and maintain optimal healing conditions.
In the environmental sector, aerogels demonstrate significant potential in water purification technologies. They are employed as highly effective adsorbents for removing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and petroleum products from contaminated water. Aerogels are also integrated into air purification systems, capturing particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them applicable in both residential and industrial filtration units. Certain hydrophobic aerogel modifications are used in oil spill remediation, where they quickly absorb pollutants and facilitate their recovery from water surfaces.
The COST Action CA18125 made a significant contribution to the integration of advanced aerogel research into practical technologies, strengthening international scientific collaboration and promoting innovation. The project laid the foundation for the development of high-value products aimed at sustainable construction, advanced medical applications, and efficient environmental protection technologies.
Project funding:
EU COST Programme
Project results:
Participation in the COST Action “Advanced Engineering and Research of Aerogels for Environmental and Life Sciences” (AERoGELS) (CA18125) provided opportunities to expand scientific knowledge and competencies in the field of advanced aerogel materials research. Engagement in working groups and international training activities enabled the deepening of expertise in state-of-the-art aerogel synthesis technologies, optimization of structural and functional properties, and their applications in environmental and life sciences.
The knowledge gained during the project was applied in the analysis of aerogel integration possibilities into engineering systems for thermal and acoustic insulation solutions, advanced water purification technologies, and medical applications such as drug delivery systems and scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Participation in the COST network facilitated the establishment of professional contacts with international experts, exchange of experience with researchers from various disciplines, and the strengthening of interdisciplinary cooperation. The acquired knowledge and skills will be applied in future research initiatives related to the development of advanced materials and their applications in sustainable technologies.
Project partners: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Suomija, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Albania, Moldova
