Aerogel is a new type of nano-porous material with extremely low density and high porosity. Due to its excellent insulation, fire resistance, sound insulation and adsorption properties, it is called "solid smoke" or "frozen smoke". It is composed of a nano-scale framework, filled with air inside, making it extremely lightweight while possessing outstanding thermal stability and chemical inertness. These characteristics enable aerogel to have broad application prospects in multiple high-tech fields. 
From the perspective of the industrial chain, the development of aerogels encompasses three main aspects: the supply of raw materials in the upstream, the preparation and processing of materials in the middle stage, and the promotion of applications in the downstream. The upstream mainly includes the production and supply of basic materials such as silicon source materials (such as silicate), solvents, and catalysts. The quality of these basic materials directly affects the performance of the final product. The middle stage is the core manufacturing process of aerogels, involving multiple key steps such as sol-gel reaction, aging, modification, and drying. Among them, supercritical drying technology is particularly crucial, determining the integrity of the product structure and the stability of its performance. In recent years, the atmospheric pressure drying process has also been continuously improving, which helps to reduce production costs and enhance industrialization capabilities. 
Downstream applications are the key to realizing the value of aerogels. Currently, this material has been widely used in the insulation protection of power batteries for new energy vehicles, effectively enhancing the safety and lifespan of the battery system. In the petrochemical industry, aerogels are used as insulation materials for high-temperature pipelines, achieving remarkable energy-saving effects. Moreover, it has gradually penetrated into industries such as aerospace, building energy conservation, rail transportation, and consumer electronics. For example, in extremely cold or hot environments, aerogels can provide efficient thermal management solutions for equipment. 
With the increasing support from the government for the new materials industry and the promotion of energy-saving technologies by the "carbon neutrality" goal, aerogel, as one of the representatives of high-performance materials, is experiencing a period of rapid development. However, investors also need to pay attention to the challenges it currently faces, such as high costs and difficulties in large-scale production. Overall, the aerogel industry chain has strong technical barriers and growth potential, and is expected to play a more important role in multiple high-end manufacturing fields in the future.