Functionalized hydrophobic aerogel/solid support structure composites have
been developed to remove metals and organic compounds from aqueous and
vapor media. The targeted metals and organics are removed by passing the
aqueous or vapor phase through the composite which can be in molded,
granular, or powder form. The composites adsorb the metals and the
organics leaving a purified aqueous or vapor stream. The species-specific
adsorption occurs through specific functionalization of the aerogels
tailored towards specific metals and/or organics. After adsorption, the
composites can be disposed of or the targeted metals and/or organics can
be reclaimed or removed and the composites recycled.