The goal is to generate robust aerogels containing only cellulose nanocrystals. We
present (1) the preparation of chemically cross-linked aerogels based on CNCs alone; (2)
the characterization of CNC aerogels including density, specific surface area, pore
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structure, mechanical properties and absorbance ability; and (3) potential applications of
these unique aerogel nanomaterials such as superabsorbents and for oil/water separation.