Sheet-like Structure Research Articles

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets for high-performance supercapacitors

Two-dimensional (2D) porous carbon nanosheets have received widespread attention in supercapacitor because of their high specific surface area, high aspect ratio and short ion diffusion distance. Here, we develop a novel strategy to prepare 2D porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets (NCS) using MgAl-LDH as the template by electrostatic self-assembly with anionic polyacrylamide, then followed carbonization and KOH activation. The optimized NCS-700 samples possess high specific surface area, hierarchical porous sheet-like structure and rich N (3.15 at%) and O (9.58 at%) functional groups. As an electrode material, the NCS-700 samples exhibit a high specific capacitance of 356 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and superior rate characteristic (228 F g−11 at 30 A g−1), as well as long lifespan. Moreover, the assembled NCS-700//NCS-700 symmetrical supercapacitor shows a high energy density of 29.0 Wh kg−1 and outstanding cycling stability in 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Therefore, the above results show that this work provides a new method for the synthesis of porous carbon sheets for high performance supercapacitor.

Mechanochemical activation of zero-valent iron on carbonized boron-doped graphene dots for enhanced sonochemical dyes removal

Boron-doped graphene dots (BGDs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using the disaccharide maltose as the carbon precursor and borax as the boron dopant. The precursors were heated to 500 °C for 5 h to obtain the carbonized BGDs (CBGDs). B doping was carried out to increase the surface area and improve the electron transfer reaction for quick and effective reactive oxygen species generation. BGDs and CBDGs showed different oxygen contents and functionalities, surface areas, morphologies, and zeta-potentials. Zero-valent iron (ZVI) was activated mechanochemically by surface passivation using BGDs and CBGDs under atmospheric conditions, and their dye removal performance via sonochemical degradation was evaluated. Owing to the greater oxygen functionality of BGDs, the ZVI@BGDs were fully decorated with ZVI, and less activation occurred that inhibited the sonochemical dye degradation properties of ZVI@BGDs. In contrast, a sheet-like structure and activation of ZVI on ZVI@CBGDs make it an active catalyst. The maximum surface area (413.82 m2/g) and high negative zeta potential (−38.25 mV) of CBGDs make it a good adsorbent. BGDs have a low surface area (20.78 m2/g), self-assembling structure, non-planer arrangement, and a twisted structure with interlocking spheres that disfavor π–π stacking between the dye and BGDs and make it non-adsorbent. The rapid generation of reactive oxygen species, the existence of iron with mixed-valence states, and the increase in surface area due to boron doping facilitate the electron transfer process to make the catalyst active and reusable even after 10 cycles.

Complete atomic structure of a native archaeal cell surface.

SummaryMany prokaryotic cells are covered by an ordered, proteinaceous, sheet-like structure called a surface layer (S-layer). S-layer proteins (SLPs) are usually the highest copy number macromolecules in prokaryotes, playing critical roles in cellular physiology such as blocking predators, scaffolding membranes, and facilitating environmental interactions. Using electron cryomicroscopy of two-dimensional sheets, we report the atomic structure of the S-layer from the archaeal model organism Haloferax volcanii. This S-layer consists of a hexagonal array of tightly interacting immunoglobulin-like domains, which are also found in SLPs across several classes of archaea. Cellular tomography reveal that the S-layer is nearly continuous on the cell surface, completed by pentameric defects in the hexagonal lattice. We further report the atomic structure of the SLP pentamer, which shows markedly different relative arrangements of SLP domains needed to complete the S-layer. Our structural data provide a framework for understanding cell surfaces of archaea at the atomic level.

MnO 2 / Co 3 O 4 with N and S co‐doped graphene oxide bimetallic nanocomposite for hybrid supercapacitor and photosensor applications

This report presents the synthesis of MnO2/Co3O4 with N and S co-doped graphene oxide (GO) hybrid composite by hydrothermal route for supercapacitor and photosensor applications. MnO2/Co3O4 nanoflakes and nanoparticles were directly grown on dual N and S doped GO sheets, where doping was achieved using a single reagent thiourea in one-pot synthesis. Individual Co3O4 and MnO2 electrodes have poor reversibility and cycling properties due to electrolytic instability and low electrical conductivities. However, the hybrid provides good catalytic properties, and combined with highly conducting two-dimensional GO it can reduce mismatching properties due to high conductivity and layered structure. The incorporated composite sheet-like structure provides good mechanical strength with high conductivity, permitting easy ion penetration into the electrode, and providing considerably more active surfaces. Thus, the proposed hybrid material delivers significantly improved performance for supercapacitor and/or photosensor applications, achieving 614 F.g−1 specific capacitance at 1 Ag−1, and exceeding 95% retention up to 10 000 cycles. This composite material also shows good photosensing with 1 order of increased current under visible light.

The influence of silane on the physico-mechanical properties of vulcanizates using bentonite fillers

Layered phyllosilicate fillers have received attention in the polymer industry due to their unique nanoscale sheet-like structure. Adding a small amount of bentonite nanofiller gives rise to improved mechanical, thermal, and gas barrier properties of rubber mixtures. Depending on the application, natural bentonite is often modified by physical processes or by chemical processes (intercalation, cation exchange process, functionalization, pillaring, etc.). Chemical modification increases the size of the interlayer spaces and provides a hydrophobic environment. Functionalization (e.g., silanization), which encompasses the chemical grafting of thermally stable silane coupling agents onto the clay platelets, make inorganic bentonite and the organic polymer matrix compatible. In the introduced study, commercial bentonite P130 from Lieskovec deposit was modified by silane (3-aminopropyl trietoxysilane) treatment. Different techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize modified and raw bentonite sample. Silanized P130s and raw product P130 were added to the natural rubber matrix to examine the influence of chemically functionalized bentonite on curing characteristic (M H, M L, t s2, t 90, ΔM) and mechanical properties (TSb, Eb, hardness) of rubber vulcanizates. Organo-bentonite was mixed into a rubber blend in particular ratio of 5, 10, 15, 20 phr in various combination with silane (3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane), Perkasil and carbon black. The highest maximum torque values were obtained with the sample using 20 phr of silanized P130s. The tensile strength (TSb) values decreased with increasing P130 content, as well as non-silanized and silanized P130. However, when 20 phr P130s was used, value of TSb was higher. The most enhanced properties of rubber blends were found with the addition of 20 phr of silanized bentonite P130s.

A high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor achieved by surface-regulated MnO2 and organic-framework–derived N-doped carbon cloth

It is possible to achieve high energy density and power density simultaneously for asymmetric supercapacitors by using pseudocapacitive materials with abundant ion intercalation/de-intercalation sites on the surface. Herein, a positive electrode based on feather-like MnO2 anchored on the activated carbon cloth is prepared, in which oxygen-enriched MnO2 nanorods with a radial sheet-like structure (OMO@AC) further form via electrochemical oxidation. Because of the large contact area with electrolyte and abundant oxidation functional groups on its surface, the OMO@AC displays excellent capacitance of 3,160 mF/cm2 at 1 mA/cm2. For the nitrogen-doped active carbon negative electrode, the capacitance is up to 1,875 mF/cm2 at 4 mA/cm2 due to the increase in disorder and defect on the carbon surface by N-doping. Furthermore, we verify the good electrochemical activity on the OMO@AC electrode surface by first-principles calculations and confirm the good matching degree between the positive and negative electrodes by CV testes. The aqueous oxygen-enriched MnO2// nitrogen-doped active carbon asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits an ultrahigh energy density of 8.723 mWh/cm3 at a power density of 14.248 mW/cm3 and display excellent cycle stability maintaining 95.5% after 10,000 cycles. The facile synthesis method and excellent performance provide a feasible way for the preparation of high-performance electrode materials for energy storage devices.

The anatomy and variation of the coracoid attachment of the subclavius muscle in humans.

The functions of the subclavius muscle (SM) are described as stabilization of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) and resisting elevation of the lateral end of the clavicle. During systematic cadaveric dissections, we observed additional fibrous structures, previously described as variants of the anatomy, extending from the SM and inserting into the coracoid process (CP). Due to the high incidence of these structures in our dissections, we hypothesized that the attachment at the CP is more common than appreciated and that, as a corollary, the function of the SM was (or has been) more complex than simply depressing the clavicle and generating stability at the SCJ. For our investigation, fifty‐two upper extremities of 26 human cadavers were dissected. The SM was demonstrated from costal to clavicular attachment. We documented additional fibrous structures apparently derived from the SM inserting into the CP. Measurements of the length of the SM, the length of its attachment, and the length of the clavicle were taken in situ, with the specimens supine and the upper extremity in the anatomical position. Variations in the anatomy of the SM and its coracoidal attachment were recorded, and potential correlations were investigated. For documentation purposes photographs and video sequences of passive motion of the shoulder girdle of the specimens were taken. In 49 of the 52 specimens we found additional fibrous structures passing from the SM to the CP. We differentiated three types: (1) a strong cord‐like structure; (2) a small or thin cord‐like structure or structures; and (3) a planar twisted sheet‐like structure. The SM and its extension to the CP appears to contribute to a ‘functional scapular suspension system’ together with the other muscles enveloped by the clavipectoral fascia (pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis and the short head of the biceps brachii). This system assists in the control of the position of the scapula in relation to the thorax, particularly in elevated positions of the upper extremity. We speculate that the differentiation of the fibrous structure depends on the functional demands of the individual. Level of Evidence: Basic science study.

Cyano group-enriched crystalline graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst: Ethyl acetate-induced improved ordered structure and efficient hydrogen-evolution activity

The molten salt-assisted route is one of the most important methods to improve the crystallinity of conventionally disordered bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). However, the residual potassium ions from potassium chloride/lithium chloride molten salt can greatly impact the ordered structure of g-C3N4 and serve as the recombination centers of photoinduced carriers, causing limited photocatalytic hydrogen-evolution performance. In this article, the ethyl acetate-mediated method is first developed to not only further improve the ordered structure of traditional crystalline g-C3N4, but also produce more cyano groups for preparing highly efficient g-C3N4 photocatalysts. Herein, the ethyl acetate can gradually hydrolyze to produce hydrogen ions, which can promote the more ordered sheet-like structure and more cyano groups by effective removal of residual potassium ions in the traditional crystalline g-C3N4, leading to the formation of cyano group-enriched crystalline g-C3N4 photocatalysts (CC-CN). As a result, the resultant CC-CN displays the remarkably enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen-evolution performance (295.30 µmol h−1 with an apparent quantum efficiency about 12.61%), in comparison to the bulk g-C3N4 (14.97 µmol h−1) and traditional crystalline g-C3N4 (24.60 µmol h−1). The great improvement of photocatalytic performance can mainly be ascribed to the synergism of improved ordered structure and abundant cyano groups, namely, the efficient transfer and separation of photoinduced charges as well as excellent interfacial hydrogen-generation reaction, respectively. The present work may deliver new strategies to prepare other high-crystalline photocatalysts with great efficiency.

Development of a novel visible light-driven Bi2O2SiO3-Si2Bi24O40 photocatalyst with cross-linked sheet layered: The conversion of lattice oxygen to adsorbed oxygen improves catalytic activity

The heterogeneous Bi2O2SiO3-Si2Bi24O40 (BOS-BSO) photocatalyst has been prepared in situ by an environmentally friendly hydrothermal deposition. By controlling the molar concentration of the bismuth source and the silicon source (nBi:nSi) in the precursor, optimizing the heat treatment process parameters and adjusting the reaction time and temperature, the phase composition and crystallinity can be adjusted and the effective heterojunction and heterogeneity can be obtained. At the same time, the hydrothermal process forms a special 3D cross-linked sheet-like structure of bismuth silicate, which can provide graded adsorption channels for pollutants. In the BOS-600（treated at 600 °C) photocatalyst, the photocatalytic performance is 3 times and 29 times than that of BOS and P25, respectively, and excellent catalytic stability is observed even after three test cycles. Compared with the BOS powders, BOS-600 has more·OH radicals and produces·O2- on the surface which play an important role in the degradation of RhB due to the up-shift structure (Vo level). The formation of the Bi2O2SiO3-Si2Bi24O40 heterojunction in BOS-600 and the presence of oxygen vacancies caused by the highly active surface produce a synergistic effect, which significantly improve the carrier separation efficiency and increases the redox capacity of the sample.

2D/3D Copper-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively used as modified materials of electrochemical sensors in the food industry and agricultural system. In this work, two kinds of copper-based MOFs (Cu-MOFs) with a two dimensional (2D) sheet-like structure and three dimensional (3D) octahedral structure for H2O2 detection were synthesized and compared. The synthesized 2D and 3D Cu-MOFs were modified on the glassy carbon electrode to fabricate electrochemical sensors, respectively. The sensor with 3D Cu-MOF modification (HKUST-1/GCE) presented better electrocatalytic performance than the 2D Cu-MOF modified sensor in H2O2 reduction. Under optimal conditions, the prepared sensor displayed two wide linear ranges of 2 μM–3 mM and 3–25 mM and a low detection limit of 0.68 μM. In addition, the 3D Cu-MOF sensor exhibited good selectivity and stability. Furthermore, the prepared HKUST-1/GCE was used for the detection of H2O2 in milk samples with a high recovery rate, indicating great potential and applicability for the detection of substances in food samples. This work provides a convenient, practical, and low-cost route for analysis and extends the application range of MOFs in the food industry, agricultural and environmental systems, and even in the medical field.

Structural Studies of Water-Insoluble β-Glucan from Oat Bran and Its Effect on Improving Lipid Metabolism in Mice Fed High-Fat Diet.

Water-insoluble β-glucan has been reported to have beneficial effects on human health. However, no studies have thoroughly characterized the structure and function of water-insoluble β-glucan in oat bran. Thus, the structure and effect of water-insoluble β-glucan on weight gain and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were analyzed. First, water-insoluble β-glucan was isolated and purified from oat bran. Compared with water-soluble β-glucan, water-insoluble β-glucan had higher DP3:DP4 molar ratio (2.12 and 1.67, respectively) and molecular weight (123,800 and 119,200 g/mol, respectively). Notably, water-insoluble β-glucan exhibited more fibrous sheet-like structure and greater swelling power than water-soluble β-glucan. Animal experiments have shown that oral administration of water-insoluble β-glucan tended to lower the final body weight of obese mice after 10 weeks treatment. In addition, water-insoluble β-glucan administration significantly improved the serum lipid profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels) and epididymal adipocytes size. What is more, water-insoluble β-glucan reduced the accumulation and accelerated the decomposition of lipid in liver. In conclusion, water-insoluble β-glucan (oat bran) could alleviate obesity in HFD-fed mice by improving blood lipid level and accelerating the decomposition of lipid.

Preparation of Modified Fluorographene Oxide with Interlayer Supporting Structure.

Fluorinated graphene (FGi) is easy to agglomerate, after which it turns into a curly and wavy shape, which results in a great decrease in the properties of the resultant composite materials and coatings. In this study, fluorinated graphene oxide (FGO) modified with p-phenylenediamine (PPD) was prepared, but with a view to avoid its agglomeration and retain a sheet-like structure. Through the reaction between PPD and the epoxy groups of FGO, the modified FGO with an amino group (N-PGO) had a larger interlayer d-spacing than FGO. The stability of N-PGO was also improved, and nitrogen, fluorine, oxygen, and carbon were evenly distributed in the N-PGO sheets. All the results indicate that PPD can act as an effective spacer to separate graphene sheets for good anti-agglomeration properties. This method produced modified graphene with fluorine, amino, and carbonyl groups. It shows potential in introducing N-PGO as a reactive modifier in composite materials and coatings for a variety of industrial applications including waterborne epoxy materials.

An Amorphous-Crystalline Nanosheet Arrays Structure for Ultrahigh Electrochemical Performance Supercapattery.

Hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), also called supercapattery, which can substitute for low power density batteries have attracted extensive interest. However, when HSCs comes to commercial applications, there is still space for improvement in energy density. It seems that designing of electrode with high capacity is an effective measure. Herein, amorphous-crystalline MoO3 -Ni3 S2 /NF-0.5 nanosheet arrays are developed as battery-type electrodes. Specifically, the sheet-like structure of crystalline Ni3 S2 can achieve rich structural nanocrystallization, improving the redox reaction efficiency. Meanwhile, the disordered structure and irregular surface of the amorphous MoO3 are conducive to maximize the contact between the electrode and electrolyte, slowing down the volume change caused by the continuous charge-discharge process. As a result, it displays an ultrahigh areal specific capacity of 8.52 C cm-2 at 5mA cm-2 , and superior lifespan up to 7500 cycles with 90.0% retention. Further, when assembled into HSCs, the specific capacity reaches 1.47 C cm-2 , corresponding to an energy density of 4.18 mWh cm-2 at a power density of 0.34mW cm-2 . Totally, the design of the unique structure displays a valuable measure for rational development of high energy density hybrid energy storage devices that are not limited to supercapacitors.

Sheet-like garnet structure design for upgrading PEO-based electrolyte

Polyoxyethylene (PEO)-based electrolyte is one of the most promising solid-state electrolyte (SSE) candidates for all-solid-state batteries due to its high flexible and salt solubility. Recently, morphological control on active fillers is confirmed as a critical issue affecting the performance of SSE. However, the lack of comprehensive research is hindering the understanding over the growth mechanism of the structured active fillers. Especially, compared with other dimensions, the studies on the growth mechanism of two-dimensional (2D) active fillers are quite limited due to the difficulties in physical methods such as exfoliation. Herein, sheet-like LLZAO (Li6.25La3Zr2Al0.25O12) (SL) is synthesized by bottom-up method to upgrade PEO matrix (SL@PEO). In addition, the growth mechanism of SL is proposed, which provides a new sight for morphology control over inorganic solid electrolytes. The SL structure provides continuous interfaces between the fillers and the polymer matrix, which ensures rapid diffusion of lithium ions. In addition, the SL can provide more nature barriers for electrolyte to suppress the lithium dendrites growth. The lithium symmetric cells adopting SL@PEO present prolonged cycling stability and higher critical current density compared with the control samples. The assembled all-solid-state LiFePO4/SL@PEO/Li batteries exhibit superior cycling stability and rate capability.

Rational fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with coalescence-induced droplet jumping behavior for atmospheric corrosion protection

Coalescence-induced droplet jumping behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces has a potential application in atmospheric corrosion protection by spontaneously removing the corrosive water film/droplets. However, the design guidelines for superhydrophobic surfaces to realize coalescence-induced droplet jumping behavior remain lacking, and the antifogging ability of droplet jumping behavior for atmospheric corrosion protection is unknown. Herein, two kinds of superhydrophobic surfaces, namely, the sheet-like structure superhydrophobic surface and the cluster-like structure superhydrophobic surface, were rationally fabricated over the copper substrate by the different solution-immersion process followed by the same hydrophobized treatment. First, the correlations of the microstructure and droplet jumping behavior of the two surfaces were studied, and a droplet jumping phase map that divided the jumping and non-jumping regions was formulated from the perspective of energy. The sheet-like structure superhydrophobic surface with a higher contact angle and a lower surface roughness is more favorable to droplet jumping behavior due to a lower solid/liquid contact area and interfacial adhesion. Second, the antifogging ability of droplet jumping behavior for atmospheric corrosion protection was experimentally demonstrated. Comparatively, the sheet-like structure superhydrophobic surface presents a superior anti-corrosion performance due to droplet jumping-induced wetting transition. This work offers design guidelines for superhydrophobic surfaces to realize coalescence-induced droplet jumping behavior in self-cleaning, anti-icing/anti-frosting, and condensation heat transfer enhancement applications, and provides insights into designing efficient technologies in the application of atmospheric corrosion protection.

Hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of Mg doped MoS2

Abstract In this research work nanoparticles of Mg (0, 1, 2 and 3%) doped MoS2 are prepared by Hydrothermal method at 200 °C for 9 h. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for surface morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for structural and chemical bonding and UV-visible spectroscopy for optical properties are used. SEM showed that sheet-like structure has changed into stone-like shaped when Mg has doped into MoS2. From FTIR, Mo–O, Mo=S, and H–O bond peaks are becoming dim and new chemical bonds S=O, Mo=O, Mg–O, CH and OH are forming with the increase of Mg doping. UV-visible spectroscopy showed that MoS2 has an indirect bandgap 2.21 eV. Band gap decreased from 1.84 to 1.82 eV when the Mg doping was increased from 1 to 2%, respectively. As Mg concentration was increased i.e. 3% then band gap increased to 1.88 eV. Photocatalytic activity (PCA) of undoped and Mg doped MoS2 is appraised by degrading rhodamine blue (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The results showed that PCA (in presence of visible light) Mg doped MoS2 is greater than pure MoS2 which significantly increased the photocatalytic properties.

Guest-Mediated Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Dissymmetric Organic Cages to Form Supramolecular Ferroelectrics

Guest-Mediated Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Dissymmetric Organic Cages to Form Supramolecular Ferroelectrics

Multifunctional supramolecular eutectogels for self-healable conductive materials and interface lubrication

Supramolecular eutectogels formed by self-assembly of low molecular weight gelators in deep eutectic solvents provides a new prospect for the development of soft ionic materials. In this study, we had developed a series of D-glucose acetal gelators (DAn), which showed excellent gelation ability in DESs based on choline chloride (ChCl) and polyols or urea. Rheology showed that the structure of the gelators and the type of DESs have significant effects on the mechanical strength and thixotropy of the gels. Remarkably, the eutectogel formed by DA10 in ChCl/Glycerol showed high transparency, self-healing, load-bearing, and injectability. The results obtained from scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction suggested that DA10 adopted hexagonal stacking to form a fibrous morphology in ChCl/ monoethylene and ChCl/ Glycerol, while sheet-like structure was formed by lamellar packing of DA10 in ChCl/Urea. Moreover, the high ionic conductivity coupled with self-healing property of eutectogel make it a potential smart conductive material. The eutectogels exhibited remarkable lubricating properties on steel interface due to their excellent self-healing, creep recovery, and corrosion resistance properties. Overall, this research on the structure–function relationship of supramolecular eutectogels and their applications in conductive materials and interfacial lubrication have great guiding significance for the development of versatile supramolecular eutectogels in the future.

Hierarchically constructed Ag nanowires shelled with ultrathin Co-LDH nanosheets for advanced oxygen evolution reaction

It is highly desirable to cut down the electron transfer resistance, improve both site activity and site populations of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for enhanced electrochemical activity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, the hybrid that Co-LDH nanosheets shells grown on Ag nanowires (NWs) cores (Ag@Co-LDH) was constructed and applied as a favorable OER electrocatalyst. The high conductivity of Ag NWs and heterointerface between Ag NWs and Co-LDH gravely accelerate electron transfer. Co-LDH with ultrathin sheet-like structure and abundant grain boundary defects effectively provide lots of active sites. The optimized local environment of Co atoms by Ag dopants and plentiful amorphous regions strongly enhance the intrinsic activity of active site. Therefore, the as-prepared Ag@Co-LDH demonstrates distinguished OER activity with a low overpotential of 217 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is superior to most reported advanced OER electrocatalysts and even commercial Ir/C. Moreover, benefiting from the unique structure and stable heterointerface, Ag@Co-LDH also exhibits robust cycling stability and long-term durability proved by accelerated degradation test (ADT) and galvanostatic test, respectively. This finding provides a practical design direction for high-performance LDH-based OER electrocatalysts.

Multiscale kapok/cellulose aerogels for oil absorption: The study on structure and oil absorption properties

An efficient and economic kapok/cellulose aerogel for waste oil treatment was successfully fabricated via simple freeze-drying and surface modification. To investigate their oil absorption performance, various aerogels by multi-scale cellulose and different lengths of kapok fibers were characterized. The use of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) enabled aerogels to possess remarkably uniform pore size and structural integrity, while the introduction of kapok improved their mechanical property, oil absorption and retention performance. For kapok/microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) aerogels, an excessively enlarged porous structure caused by long fibers would damage the structural stability of aerogels and reduce their oil absorption capability. Compared with the sheet-like structure formed by self-aggregated MFC, filamentous CNF exhibited better entanglement characteristics and possessed a more positive impact on enhancing the structural integrity and mechanical properties of aerogels. These aerogels presented ultra-low density (4.9 mg/cm3), desirable hydrophobicity (147.6°), outstanding oil absorption (141.9 g/g) and retention (97.7 %) capacity, and excellent selective sorption property, making them ideal absorbents for oil spill cleaning.