A method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strength includes forming an aerogel precursor, the aerogel precursor including a matrix material and a liquid dispersion medium for dispersing the matrix material. At least two freeze/thaw cycles are performed on the aerogel precursor, each freeze/thaw cycle including freezing the aerogel precursor so that the dispersion is solidified and thawing the aerogel precursor to liquefy the frozen dispersion medium. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified, and freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material.
