Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flow-through aerosol capture device that includes a chamber defining an airflow path, and at least one heat-stable aerogel filter, for example a heat-stable polymer aerogel filter, disposed in the airflow path for capturing aerosol particles when an aerosol-containing gas passes through the filter. The flow-through aerosol capture device may be a needle-trap device or a thermal desorption liner with a heat-stable aerogel filter in the lumen of the needle or the liner. The disclosure also provides heat-stable polymer aerogels and methods of making such aerogels.