Research progress of magnetic aerogels

Magnetic aerogels have attracted many attentions because of their special quality and functionality. The main fabrication method of magnetic aerogels is firstly dispersing magnetic nanoparticles into sol followed by gelling, aging and supercritical drying. Magnetic functional materials mainly refer to the magnetic nano-materials, among which ferrates are the most widely used, especially superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄. The quality and structure of the magnetic aerogels change with aerogels matrix and magnetic nanoparticles. The interaction mechanisms between magnetic nanoparticles and aerogel matrix, as well as texture and quality of the magnetic aerogels materials are always explored in inorganic magnetic aerogels synthesized with SiO₂ aerogels and TiO₂ aerogels as the matrix. However, the organic magnetic aerogels with matrix of graphene aerogels and carbon aerogels, are mainly applicated in catalysis, adsorption and bio-separation. This review aims to describe recent research progress of magnetic aerogels based on the synthesis, quality and their application in future.