As the lighest solid material

aerogel

which is generally derived from so-gel process and dried by supercritical drying

has a wide range of potential applications for its low density

high porosity

large specific surface area and low thermal conductivity. However

the fragility and the complicated drying methods always restrain the utility of aerogels. Since aerogel was first created

researchers have made tireless effort to simplify the drying methods and strengthen the mechanical properties of aerogels with novel starting materials

endowing aerogels new functions. In this paper

recent progresses of aerogel research have been reviewed which focus mainly on the preparation and characterization of organic aerogels and organic-inorganic hybrid aerogels.