Silica aerogels, known for their ultra-low thermal conductivity, high porosity, and unique structure, have become a focus of research due to their wide range of applications. This review provides an updated overview of silica aerogel-based nanomaterials, covering their synthesis methods, properties, composites, and applications. Silica aerogels are synthesized through sol-gel processes, involving gel preparation, aging, and drying. Various drying techniques, such as supercritical drying, ambient pressure drying, freeze-drying, microwave-drying, and vacuum drying, are discussed, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The properties of silica aerogels include their pore structure, density, thermal conductivity, hydrophobicity, optical properties, and mechanical properties. These materials are used in various applications, including building insulation, aerospace, agriculture, environmental protection, and biomedical fields. Silica aerogels are also used in composite materials with other materials to enhance their properties. Despite their promising properties, silica aerogels face challenges such as fragility, high cost, and difficulty in processing. Future research aims to overcome these challenges and expand the applications of silica aerogels in various fields.Silica aerogels, known for their ultra-low thermal conductivity, high porosity, and unique structure, have become a focus of research due to their wide range of applications. This review provides an updated overview of silica aerogel-based nanomaterials, covering their synthesis methods, properties, composites, and applications. Silica aerogels are synthesized through sol-gel processes, involving gel preparation, aging, and drying. Various drying techniques, such as supercritical drying, ambient pressure drying, freeze-drying, microwave-drying, and vacuum drying, are discussed, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The properties of silica aerogels include their pore structure, density, thermal conductivity, hydrophobicity, optical properties, and mechanical properties. These materials are used in various applications, including building insulation, aerospace, agriculture, environmental protection, and biomedical fields. Silica aerogels are also used in composite materials with other materials to enhance their properties. Despite their promising properties, silica aerogels face challenges such as fragility, high cost, and difficulty in processing. Future research aims to overcome these challenges and expand the applications of silica aerogels in various fields.