Permeability studies on 3D Ni foam/graphene composites

Abstract

This study investigates the permeability of new 3D Ni foam/graphene composites (Ni foam covered with graphene) using compressed air, Ar and N2 as the probe gases. The results show that the introduction of graphene on the surface of Ni foam via in situ chemical vapour deposition is not detrimental to the permeability of the composites; on the contrary, in some cases it improves permeability. A modified Ergun-type correlation has been proposed, which represents very well the permeability of the Ni foam/graphene composites, especially at flow rates higher than 0.3 m s−1. Further studies show that graphene also helps to improve the thermal conductivity of the composite. These results suggest that the graphene involvement will make the Ni foam/graphene composite a good candidate for potential applications such as filters or heat exchangers suitable for working under harsh conditions such as at high temperatures, in corrosive environments, etc.