Wednesday, November 4, 2026Updated every morning at 5:30 AM ET
NanotechProgress

Silica aerogels

Aerogels are among the lightest solids ever made. A silica aerogel is about 97% air, held in a fine, lacy network of silica, which makes it an exceptional insulator for its thickness.

Aspen Aerogels annual report (10-K), 2025
Insulating material · how far it has got4/5Approved or on sale

How far from your life: You can get it now, though it may not be common yet.

Company-reported

From lab to your life

Why it’s on step 4

  1. 1Lab discovery
  2. 2Working prototype
  3. 3Real-world testing
  4. 4Approved or on sale
  5. 5Everyday life

The rule

A regulator approved or cleared it where approval applies (the FDA, the EMA, a CE mark), or it is sold to the public or to customers beyond a trial.

The short version

What you need to know

Is it really nano?

Truly nano

What insulates is the structure: a solid that is mostly air, held in a very fine silica network.

Aspen Aerogels annual report (10-K), 2025
Where you’ll find it

As thin heat barriers between the cells of electric car batteries made for GM, Toyota and ACC, and as industrial insulation.

Aspen Aerogels annual report (10-K), 2025
Who’s behind it

Aspen Aerogels and others

On the record

Every step, dated

Newest first. Company-reported means the only source so far is the company itself.

  1. On saleCompany-reported

    Aspen Aerogels sold $168.9 million of its PyroThin battery heat barriers in 2025, down from $306.8 million in 2024, mostly to GM.

    Aspen Aerogels annual report (10-K), 2025

Who makes it

The companies

  • ASPNNYSEAspen AerogelsPure play

    Makes aerogel insulation, including thin heat barriers for electric car batteries supplied to GM, Toyota and ACC.

    We track:Aerogels