An ultra-light flexible aerogel-based on methane derived CNTs as a reinforcing agent in silica-CMC matrix for efficient oil adsorption

Highlights: • Ultra-light, low density, flexible aerogel prepared by reinforcing CNTs in silica and CMC matrix. • The aerogel exhibited high surface area and thus had super oil adsorption capacity. • The adsorbed oil could be recovered by simple mechanical squeezing. • The aerogel could be regenerated and reused by simple washing with acetone. -- Abstract: Bamboo shaped multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes were synthesized by the thermo-catalytic decomposition of methane in a modified chemical vapour deposition reactor. The prepared carbon nanotubes were reinforced in the mero-hydrophobic carboxymethyl cellulose and silica matrix for the preparation of low density, highly flexible aerogel. The synthesized aerogel exhibited a large specific surface area and uniform pore structure as confirmed by the nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The water contact angle of 148.8° for the aerogel demonstrated that the synthesized aerogels were superhydrophobic in nature. The performance of aerogels was tested for the adsorption of singer oil and motor oil. Investigations revealed that aerogel can adsorb more than 28 times its weight effectively. Moreover, the adsorbed oil can be recovered by mechanical squeezing owing to its flexible nature. In addition, the aerogel could maintain its oil adsorption capacity even after 5 regeneration cycles, demonstrating superior recyclability. The peculiar properties – outstanding flexibility and superhydrophobicity exhibited by the aerogels establish them as a proficient and recyclable oil adsorbents during the oil seepage.