Aerogels are gaining interest from researchers for various applications in different disciplines due to their unique characteristics, such as high porosity, low density and vast surface area. Because of their outstanding physical and chemical properties with adjustable surface chemistry, aerogels have various applications, including supercapacitors, drug delivery, thermal insulation, etc. Due to their high porosity and surface area, aerogels are applicable for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants, which could have detrimental impacts on both human health and the environment. Numerous reviews of aerogel preparations and applications have been published. However, there has not been an organized approach to aerogel synthesis methods, types and applications with the mechanisms in their respective applications. The aerogels' pollution removal methods and composite fabrications are thoroughly described. A summary of the diverse uses and exciting prospects of aerogels in environmental pollution control is provided. Additionally, how contaminants and porous nanoparticles interact are examined. More significantly, novel designs are suggested for the production of advanced aerogels. The mechanisms of the porous materials in their applications are also meaningfully guided by this review, which helps to design and produce advanced porous materials.

Phosphorus scarcity and pollution pose dual global challenges, necessitating advanced sorbent materials for sustainable remediation. In this study, a Fe–Co–Zn mixed oxide nanocomposite (MONC) was synthesized via co-precipitation and comprehensively characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET analyses. The composite exhibited a mesoporous framework with a surface area above 16 m ² /g, heterogeneous morphology, and abundant active sites. The point of zero charge (pHpzc = 7.1) confirmed amphoteric behavior, enabling effective phosphate uptake under acidic conditions. Batch adsorption experiments identified the 2:3:1 Fe–Co–Zn ratio as optimal, achieving a maximum capacity of 6.58 mg/g at 25 °C. Kinetic modeling followed a pseudo-second-order model (R ² = 0.99273), validating chemisorption as the rate-controlling mechanism. Isotherm modeling across 25–50 °C strongly favored the Langmuir model (R ² = 0.99626–0.99693), indicating monolayer adsorption and finite site saturation. Thermodynamic analysis revealed endothermic behavior, with stronger sorbate–sorbent interactions at elevated temperatures. Soil sorption–desorption experiments demonstrated increased phosphate release with higher initial concentrations (10–50 mg/kg), yet desorption efficiency remained consistently lower than adsorption, indicating strong binding and partial irreversibility. These findings highlight the Fe–Co–Zn MONC’s structural stability, high adsorption efficiency, and environmental relevance, positioning it as a promising candidate for scalable phosphate recovery and pollution mitigation in aqueous and soil systems.