A Novel Approach of Developing AgI Loaded Silica Aerogels for Possible Application as Cloud Seeding Material.

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique aimed at enhanced precipitation from clouds. Silver iodide, the material used in cloud seeding, is toxic to aquatic life. Therefore, precipitation from seeded clouds is harmful to the environment. In response to the concern, we report a novel approach of developing AgI loaded/encapsulated silica seed material for possible cloud seeding process. The traditional sol–gel alkoxide route is adopted to develop AgI/Silica composite. The obtained composite fulfils the requirement of seed material with high surface area (> 1000 m²/g), meso-porous structure, and low density (~ 0.2 g/cm³), which are the main requirements for cloud seeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]