Preparation of micro-convex rough interface carbon aerogels with cellulose-lithium bromide (LiBr) molten salt hydrate gelled system and application of oil-water separation

As a novel nanoporous carbon material with high porosity, large specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity and high temperature resistance, carbon aerogels have broad application prospects in the fields of catalyst carriers, energy storage and adsorption materials. In this work, the hydrophobic micro-convex rough interface cellulose carbon aerogels (CCAs) were fabricated via carbonization of cellulose-lithium bromide (LiBr) molten salt hydrate gelled system. The prepared CCAs shows a low density (0.016–0.023 g/cm 3 ), high porosity (98.9–99.2 %), superior hydrophobicity (water contact angle over 135°) and excellent absorption of different oils and organic solvents. The absorption ability of CCAs 1.0-T800 for different oils and organic solvents can be 25–55 times its own weight. More importantly, the CCAs adsorbent can be reused by simple absorption/distillation method and still kept high-efficiency oil absorption capacity and excellent hydrophobicity after 5 absorption/elution cycles, displaying recyclability and robust stability. This study provides a green and facile way to fabrication of cellulose II carbon aerogels for application in spilled oil recovery, and exhibited highly promising as an economical, efficient and safe adsorbent for wastewater treatment. • The micro-convex rough interface carbon aerogels cellulose aerogels fabricated via a green and convenient method. • The prepared carbon aerogels have a low density (0.016–0.023 g/cm 3 ) and high porosity (98.9–99.2 %). • The obtained carbon aerogels possess a high absorption capability for variety organic pollutants and good reusability. • The morphology of carbon aerogels can be adjusted by changing the content of aerogel cellulose.