Although a large variety of
chemical grafting methods has been reported,19 almost all
available approaches require an organic solvent medium such as
chlorosilane in toluene.20,21 Such a process will make aerogel
fabrication more complex. In addition, the aerogel would
contain inorganic species, Si, which could become an
environmental concern upon chemical incineration for product
disposal. Surface modification based on adsorption has also
been widely used.