Three-Dimensional Graphene Interconnected Structure, Fabrication Methods and Applications: Review

Abstract

Enormous amounts of research and development are currently underway in the arena of improving threedimensional graphene and graphene oxide networks for use as foams, sponges and aerogels for a wide range of applications. The underlying reason for the interest in 3D grapheme can be attributed to the splendid intrinsic and extrinsic properties brought as a result of the 3D porous structures which has given rise to high specific surface areas, good mechanical strength, fast mass and electron movement. Therefore a review about the present modes of fabrication, material properties and the applications of 3D grapheme with strong emphasis on highly efficient graphene sponges and graphene foams is expounded. Following on from this, a concrete understanding of the fabrication of functionalized graphene aerogel for use in oil water separation will be addressed. To add on, the superiority of threedimensional (3D) graphene based macro porous architectures, as an absorbent in comparison to various sorbent materials will be scrutinized. Furthermore, it was concluded that although large amounts of research and developments have been achieved thus far, there is still some room for improvement. In fact the benefits of these improvements will be applicable in a wide range of applications ranging from: high sensitivity gas detectors, super capacitors, lithium ion batteries, oil-water separators to name a few.