Synthesis and properties of magnesium carbonate xerogels and aerogels

► A MgCO3 sol was obtained from magnesium, methanol and CO2 via a facile process. ► In a sol-gel process, a MgCO3 gel is formed. ► Ambient drying yields a xerogel, while supercritical drying yields an aerogel. ► MgCO3 xerogels and aerogels consist of amorphous nanoparticles. ► MgCO3 aerogels exhibit high surface area and pore sizes in the low nanometer range.