A method of manufacturing a xerogel monolith having a pore diameter distribution
includes preparing a first solution comprising metal alkoxide and preparing a second
solution comprising a catalyst. A third solution is prepared by mixing the first
solution and the second solution together. At least one of the first, second, and
third solutions is cooled to achieve a mixture temperature for the third solution
which is substantially below room temperature, wherein the third solution has a
significantly longer gelation time at the mixture temperature as compared to a
room temperature gelation time for the third solution. The method further includes
allowing the third solution to gel, thereby forming a wet gel monolith. The method
further includes forming the xerogel monolith by drying the wet gel monolith.
