The synthesis of a sponge-like carbon aerogel from microfibril cellulose, with high porosity (99 %), ultra-low density (0.01 g/cm3), hydrophobic properties (149static contact angle) and reusability is reportedinthis paper. Thephysicalproperties, internal morphology, thermal properties, and chemical properties of carbon aerogels heat-treated at 700 and 900 C (Samples C-700 and C-900) were examined. Stabilization and carbonization parameters were optimized in terms of residual carbon yield. The BET surface area of Sample C-700 (521 m2/g) was significantly higher than of Sample C-950 (145 m2/g). Graphitic-like domains were observed in C-950. The highest normalized sorption capacity (86 g/g) for paraffin oil was observed in sample C-700. The removal of hydrophilic function groups during
carbonization causes carbon aerogel to present highly hydrophobic properties. Carbon aerogel’s ability to absorb oil isenhanced by itshighly porous 3Dnetwork structure with interconnected cellulose nanofibrils.