Aerogels are lightweight open-celled mesoporous materials. Due to their special characteristics

such as low density (0. 003~0. 5g/cm

3

)

high porosity (70~99. 8 % )

low dielectric constant (~1. 1)

low thermal conductivity (the lowest reported was 0. 012W/(m• K) ) and high surface area (100~1600m /g)

They have drawn great interest in a wide range of applications

including heat insulator

sound attenuator

support for catalysts

drug carrier

low dielectric constant material

adsorbent

etc. Polyimide is an important high-performance material

and polyimide aerogel has received a lot of attentions in recent years. In this paper

the preparation methods of polyimide aerogel and their merits and shortcomings were reviewed. In addition

the further works in research are prospected.