Method for producing aerogels and aerogels obtained using said method

A method for producing a silica aerogel, comprising:

• (a) introducing droplets of a sol into an apparatus subjected to a pressure of more than 30 bar to form a particulate lyogel, wherein:
• the sol has a pH greater than 7 and is a solution or dispersion of a precursor in a solvent or dispersant,
• the apparatus contains compressed carbon dioxide and formation of the particulate lyogel is initiated by a pH shift of the sol due to the compressed carbon dioxide, and
• the sol has not been pre-gelled or partially gelled by an acid or base before being introduced into the apparatus;
• and
• (b) following step (a), performing a solvent exchange of the lyogel.