Synthesis and properties of magnesium carbonate xerogels and aerogels

A magnesium carbonate sol was synthesised by controlled hydrolysis of methoxymagnesium methyl carbonate and then converted into an alcogel. From this, magnesium carbonate xerogels and aerogels were produced. SEM imaging, XRD and IR spectroscopy revealed that both xerogel and aerogel samples are composed of amorphous magnesium carbonate nanoparticles. Supercritical drying of the alcogel yields an opaque aerogel with high surface area (~ 400 m2/g) and pores in the low nanometer range which makes this aerogel interesting for e.g. insulating applications.