A simple,fast and cost-effective method for monolithic carbon aerogels (CAs) preparation was proposed through sol-gel polycondensation ofresorcinol with formaldehyde in a basic aqueous solution followed by ambient pressure drying without solvent exchange,and carbonization.The microstructure and network strength of CAs were tailored by adjusting the catalyst concentration ([resorcinol]/[sodium carbonate]in the range of 300-2000),water content ([deionized water]/[resorcinol]equals to 17 and 24,respectively),and gelation temperature (Tgel in the range of 30-90 ℃).Resultantly,the CAs with a wide range of density(0.30-1.13 g/cm3),high specific surface area (465-616 m2/g),high compressive strength (6.5-147.4 MPa)and low thermal conductivity (0,065-0.120 W·m-1 K-1) were obtained in this work.Moreover,the large-sized CAs (100 × 100 × 20 mm3) can also be prepared by this method since the formed robust skeleton network can resist shrinkage/collapse of pore structure and prevent cracking during drying.The improved mechanical strength and monolithic forming abilities could be mainly attributed to the uniform arrange-ment of carbon particles and pores,fine particle size,abundant network structure and enhanced particle neck.