Robust composite aerogel beads with pomegranate-like structure for water-based thermal insulation coating

•A novel composite aerogel material with pomegranate-like structure via a secondary gelation process was fabricated.•Composite aerogel beads show unique wettability.•Composite aerogel beads have outstanding mechanical and thermal insulation properties.•The water-based thermal insulation coating with composite aerogel beads possessed high strength.