Abstract
For expanding applications of spongy graphene aerogels (GAs) cost-effectively, we report a marriage of the two-step hydrothermal reduction and atmospheric drying method to fabricate a spongy CNC-graphene aerogel (CNG) with oil/water selectivity and tunable mechanical strength by a low-cost and straightforward approach. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with CNC by the ice-templated method can give rise to forming the hierarchical structure of hybrid GAs within the PUS network. Meanwhile, the fractured structure of PUS with a pre-compressive step arouses more versatility and durability, involving its selective and high-volume absorbability (up to 143%). The enhanced elastic modulus and more significant swelling effect than pure sponge materials give it a high potential for durable wastewater treatment.
Highlights
The typical fabrication procedure was depicted in Figure 1a); firstly, the Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) solution was obtained after an ultrasonic bath
Spongy CNC/graphene aerogels have been successfully prepared via an ambient-drying method with a pre-compaction treatment
Optimizing the freezing and drying process and controlling the internal microstructure with hierarchical pores simultaneously led to a high volumic oil-absorption capacity
Summary
Assembling graphene to a three-dimensional (3D) porous monolith while keeping the intrinsic advantage of the building blocks is of great promise to achieve the practical application [1,2]. Commonly known as Graphene aerogel (GA), most approaches this nano-architectonic idea owing to its excellent electrical conductivity, large surface area, and low density [3]. Self-assembly during GO reduction process and freeze-casting of intermediate hydrogel are two main 3D assembled strategies that have been reported for “strong” graphene aerogel preparation. Liu et al fabricated elastic graphene aerogels using directionally grown ice crystals as templates followed by freezedrying [4]. The obtained anisotropic aerogel with a hierarchical porous structure could recover to its initial height after 20 times of axial compression and high oil absorption cycles
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
