Aerogels based on cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs)
have been of great interest as absorbents due to their high
absorption capacity, low density, biodegradability, and large
surface area. Hydrophobic aerogels have been designed to give
excellent oil absorption tendency from water. Herein, we present
an in situ method for CNF surface modification and hydrophobic
aerogel preparation. Neither solvent exchange nor
fluorine chemical is used in aerogel preparations. The asprepared
hydrophobic aerogels exhibit low density (23.2 mg/
cm−3), high porosity (98.5%), good flexibility,