Fabrication, Modification, and Applications of Functional Aerogels: A Review

ABSTRACT Aerogels, characterized by a highly porous three‐dimensional nanoscale structure, possess exceptional properties such as ultra‐low density, high specific surface area, and remarkably low thermal conductivity. This review comprehensively summarizes the literature in the field of aerogel research over the past 5 years, including the latest advancements and recent developments in the fabrication, modification, and application of functional aerogels. Key preparation methods—including sol‐gel processing, supercritical drying, ambient pressure drying, and freeze‐drying—are compared in terms of their advantages and limitations. We also discuss post‐synthesis modification strategies, such as surface chemical modification, nanoparticle doping, and polymer coating, which are crucial for tailoring the function of aerogels. The modified aerogels exhibit outstanding thermal, acoustic, optical, and electrical properties, enabling their use in diverse fields such as thermal insulation, environmental remediation (e.g., oil–water separation, heavy metal adsorption), chemical separation, and emerging biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems. Finally, the review addresses current challenges like production costs and mechanical strength, while highlighting future prospects involving novel biomass‐based and graphene‐based aerogels, sustainable recycling approaches, and the promising integration of artificial intelligence to accelerate material design and optimization.