Additive-free poly (vinylidene fluoride) aerogel for oil/water separation and rapid oil absorption

•Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic PVDF aerogel is fabricated without any additive.•PVDF aerogel can separate surfactant stabilized emulsion with purity up to 99.99%.•Promising oil absorption capacity and fast up-taking ability is demonstrated.•Reusability, mechanical properties and alkali resistance are investigated.