The synthesis of polymer aerogels typically involves three main steps: sol-gel polymerization, aging, and drying. The sol-gel process involves creating a colloidal suspension of polymer precursors, which polymerize to form a gel. This gel is then aged to strengthen the network structure. Finally, the liquid in the gel is removed, usually through a process called supercritical drying, to maintain the structure without collapsing the pores.
