Systems, articles, and methods related to transparent insulation materials including aerogels coupled to substrates

Abstract

Aerogels having relatively large areas and/or relatively low numbers of defects are generally described. In some embodiments, the aerogel has one or more properties (e.g., optical and/or thermal properties) that do not substantially vary across the aerogel. Insulated glass units and/or solar thermal receivers comprising aerogels are also generally described. Articles, systems, and methods related to aerogels coupled to substrates are also generally described. Aerogels, including monolithic aerogels, may be coupled to transparent substrates such that the resulting article has advantageous insulation properties for window applications. Such articles may be used to retrofit existing windows or be incorporated into insulated glass units. The coupling of the aerogel to the substrate, in some embodiments, does not significantly impact the optical properties of the substrate and/or the aerogel. Insulated units comprising the aerogels are also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.