Fabrication of cellulose-based aerogel from banana stem for thermal insulation and water treatment

Abstract Herein banana stem was used as a source of cellulose to fabricate a novel material that can be used in thermal insulation and water treatment. Characterization of the fabricated aerogels was carried out. The results expressed morphology, appearances, and thermal stability of the aerogels. The cellulose-based aerogels expressed low density (about 0.043 g/cm 3 ), super high porosity (up to 98.11%), high compressive Young’s Modulus value (up to 365.5 kPa), ultra-low thermal conductivity (0.0362 to 0.0367 W/mK), and the oil adsorption capability up to 17.42 g/g. By applying a simple and green procedure, our banana stem aerogel could be used for further applications in material industry as those for thermal insulation and oil adsorption.