A purification method comprises directing a system having a gas phase component and a contaminant through a filter including an aerogel material, e.g., hydrophobic silica-based aerogel particles. A filter for purifying a gas phase system comprises an aerogel material in an amount sufficient to remove at least a portion of a contaminant present in the gas phase system. In preferred examples, the filter is a fluidized bed. In further examples, the filter is a packed bed.