Cellulose as a novel amphiphilic coating for oil-in-water and water-in-oil dispersions

► Unmodified cellulose can emulsify oil-in-water or water-in-oil dispersions. ► Dried cellulose-encapsulated dispersions are regenerated by dissolution in water. ► Blowing of damp dispersions yields nanoporous cellulose foam (aerocellulose). ► Cellulose-encapsulated eicosane dispersions possess effective heat-absorption. ► The encapsulating cellulose shell induces an irregular crystalline form of the oil.