Synthesis and properties of cellulose aerogels from durian peel for oil adsorption

Agro-industrial waste represents a valuable resource, yet improper management leads to environmental pollution. This study focuses on synthesising oil-absorbing aerogels from cellulose fibres extracted from durian rind, a common agricultural waste in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Cellulose fibres were extracted by way of bleaching and alkali treatment, followed by aerogel preparation using freeze-drying with water and polyvinyl alcohol as a cross-linking agent. Hydrophobic treatment with methyltrimethoxysilane was employed by way of chemical vapour deposition. Results indicate a cellulose recovery rate of 32.32 ± 0.53% from durian rind, yielding white cellulose fibres after purification. Aerogels synthesised from these fibres exhibited a white colour, a low bulk density of 0.033 ± 0.001 g/cm3, and a high porosity of 97.70 ± 0.05%. Surface analysis revealed a random arrangement of three-dimensional fibre matrices with extensive porosity, a BET surface area of 8.84 ± 0.07 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.003 cm3/g, and an average pore diameter of 20.73 nm. The aerogel exhibited outstanding water-repellent characteristics, achieving a water contact angle of 149° and an oil absorption capacity of 34.91 ± 0.67 g/g.