Aerogel vs Activated Carbon

Aerogel aka "Frozen Smoke" vs. Activated Carbon

This chemically mystifying substance technically branded by Nanogel is being seen for the first time as a possible miracle worker. Because of its ultra-absorbent sponge like qualities aerogel could be used to clean up oil or other hazardous material spills. The key to the aerogel is that it attracts oil, toluene and other organic compounds in waste water and clings onto them. According to a professor of chemical engineering at Arizona State University this absorbent works much better than competitors like activated carbon, activated charcoal or vermiculite. The only deterrent of primarily using aerogels is the cost factor. Because they are very expensive to manufacture, and so far scientists have not found a way to reuse the material it has been difficult to make the switch from conventional waste filters. Besides the cost the potential for this space age product is obviously there. Scientists have proven that a type of the aerogel can filter over 14 times its weight in oil. Besides the possible future of oil filtering aerogels are also used as insulation for such things as snow and space suits, and also as insulation on piping. While exposing these technologies to their full potential may be many years from perfection testing the substances on larger scale water filtration system is an ongoing process. Visit these resources for more information on how activated carbon products and activated charcoal products will perform.