This work aimed at analyzing the petroleum adsorption capacity and the compressive strength of cellulose cryogels produced with the addition of 4 and 8% (w/w) sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Cryogels were produced from a 1.5% (m/m) suspension of cellulose microfibers, which originated from Pinus elliotti, in distilled water. The addition of NaOH increased the compression strength of cryogel by 30% when compared to cryogel without the reagent. Due to the 50% decrease in volume, the cryogel FLNB-8h (8% NaOH) has its petroleum adsorption capacity decreased in average by 58%, whereas the FLNB-4 (4% NaOH) cryogel had it only by 14%. The cellulose suspension which provided the best results for the properties of the cryogels tested had a 4% concentration of NaOH.