Among the many fields of science, chemistry, in particular, is advancing the fastest in today’s world. Over the past few years, Chemistry has led the development of innovative materials and sophisticated technologies, bringing about changes across various industries, including energy and medicine. One of these innovations, ‘Aerogel’ has emerged as a next-generation material and is now playing a key role in the industrial world. Today, we will introduce Aerogel, a material drawing attention as a next-generation solution.

Aerogel, The Light Solid That Will Change the Future

Aerogel is dubbed ‘the world’s lightest solid,’ with a unique structure that consists of more than 95% air. The material has a nanostructure formed by intricately entangled silica (SiO₂) fibers, each just 1/10,000 the thickness of a human hair. Thanks to its excellent thermal insulation, soundproof effects, and stability at temperatures above 1,000℃, aerogel is gaining popularity across various industries.

Aerogel demonstrates excellent performance in extreme environments, making it ideal for spacecraft, winter clothing, spacesuits, and more. Recently, it has emerged as a key material in preventing thermal runaway in electric vehicle batteries, effectively reducing the risk of fire accidents. Also, it is being used as an insulation material to improve efficiency in the storage and transport of liquified hydrogen. With its ability to absorb virtually no heat and minimize heat loss, aerogel is highly effective as an insulation material for pipes and equipment in industrial settings.

Leveraging these properties, aerogel has established itself as an essential next-generation material across various industries, including electric vehicles, aerospace, construction, and energy, with an annual market growth rate of over 30%. As an eco-friendly material supporting sustainable development and carbon neutrality goals, aerogel’s importance in the global market is growing exponentially.

Aerogel, The Solution for Battery Thermal Insulation

Aerogel plays a crucial role as a thermal barrier in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. LG Chem’s Nexula™ TB is a product which effectively prevents thermal runaway that occurs within the battery, minimizing the risk of fires. Thermal runaway occurs when high temperatures generated in a battery cell spread to the module and pack, potentially causing severe damage to the entire system. Preventing this phenomenon is the key to ensuring the safety of electric vehicles.

Nexula™ TB is installed at various positions between battery cells, modules, and packs to block the spread of heat in case of fire, preventing further damage. Aerogel, with its ability to withstand temperatures over 1,000℃, maintains stability even under extreme heat. This helps to enhance the battery’s efficiency and lifespan.

Aerogel Shining in Industrial Sites

Aerogel is widely used as an insulation material for pipes and equipment in industrial settings, demonstrating exceptional performance in minimizing heat loss. With its porous structure, made up of over 95% air, the material effectively blocks transfer of heat while providing both excellent thermal insulation and lightweight properties. It maintains stability under extreme temperatures and withstands heat of over 1,000℃, making it safe for use in heat-sensitive industrial environments.

When used as an industrial insulation material, aerogel minimizes energy loss from equipment and piping, resulting in higher operational efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Above all, its low thermal conductivity allows it to provide the same performance as traditional insulation materials despite its thinness, significantly enhancing the space efficiency. This gives aerogel a competitive edge in complex setups or confined spaces.

Aerogel is gaining popularity in energy-intensive industries such as petrochemical plants, power stations, and refineries, and its application is now expanding into the field of eco-friendly energy sector. With its excellent soundproofing properties, it is also valuable in industrial environments where noise reduction is essential.

LG Chem’s Dangjin Plant in Korea Opens Up a New Era of Aerogel

LG Chem has established Korea’s first large-scale aerogel production plant within the Seokmun Industrial Complex in Dangjin, Chungnam, Korea. Occupying an area equivalent to 32 soccer fields (approximately 240,000㎡), the new plant is a $221 million project, with construction starting in 2022 and commercial production of aerogels as of 2025. Aerogel is a next-generation material with diverse applications, ranging from thermal runaway prevention to insulation and soundproofing. In particular, it is gaining attention as a thermal barrier material to prevent EV battery fires.

Through the introduction of supercritical pyrolysis technology*, LG Chem’s new plant will gain the capability to mass-produce high-quality aerogel with an annual production capacity of 200,000㎡. With aerogel’s excellent insulation properties, LG Chem aims to enhance energy efficiency at industrial sites and expand the product’s applications into the eco-friendly energy sector, such as liquid hydrogen storage and transfer.

LG Chem’s aerogel plant is viewed as a key turning point in the company’s shift toward an eco-friendly materials business. The global aerogel market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of over 30%, contributing to LG Chem’s expanded portfolio focused on sustainable growth and high-value-added products.

*Supercritical pyrolysis technology: A chemical recycling technology which breaks down waste plastics using high temperature and pressure supercritical steam.

Thus far, we have explored the features and diverse applications of aerogel. Thanks to its lightweight properties and exceptional performance, aerogel is cementing its position as a key material driving next-generation technologies in fields such as EV batteries, aerospace, and energy storage systems. The new aerogel plant in Dangjin, Korea, will be an important milestone in realizing the large-scale production of this future material. The plant is expected to maximize aerogel’s potential, enhance energy efficiency at industrial sites, and serve as a crucial stepping stone toward achieving eco-friendly goals.

Aerogel’s superior performance is driving advancements in fields such as thermal insulation, soundproofing, and thermal barriers, with its applications set to expand further. As the outcome of LG Chem’s eco-friendly technologies, aerogel is playing a key role as a future material, opening up new possibilities. Continue supporting LG Chem as they pursue their R&D efforts to lead the next-generation materials market and strengthen their competitiveness in the global world.