3D Graphene Foam Research Articles

Different Tribological Behaviors in Multilayer 2D Graphene and 3D Graphene Foam Modified DLC/H-DLC Film in Moist Air

Different Tribological Behaviors in Multilayer 2D Graphene and 3D Graphene Foam Modified DLC/H-DLC Film in Moist Air

Surface and Interface Engineering of Moni Alloy Nanograins Bound to Mo-Doped Nio Nanosheets on 3d Graphene Foam for High-Efficiency Water Splitting Catalysis

Surface and Interface Engineering of Moni Alloy Nanograins Bound to Mo-Doped Nio Nanosheets on 3d Graphene Foam for High-Efficiency Water Splitting Catalysis

Chinese knot-like bimetallic NiCo2S4 grew on 3D graphene foam as high-performance electrode for Na+ storage

Bimetallic NixCo3−xS4 (x = 1 or 2) with synergistic effect is a promising candidate material for sodium-ion battery (SIB) anodes because of its higher electrical conductivity than monometallic sulfides owing to its lower bandgap. In this study, samples of bimetallic sulfide NixCo3−xS4 with tunable chemical Ni/Co components are successfully grown on graphene foam (GF), forming free-standing Chinese knot-like nanowires (NiCo2S4 NWs/GF) and Chinese lantern-like nanoarrays (CoNi2S4 NAs/GF). When evaluate as anodes for SIBs at 0.3–3.0 V in ether-based electrolytes, the NiCo2S4 NWs/GF electrodes offer superior rate performance and cycling stability than the CoNi2S4 NAs/GF electrodes. More specifically, the NiCo2S4 NWs/GF electrode has a high capacity of 650–556 mAh g−1 at 0.1–2.0 A g−1 and 457 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 with a high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 95.6%. And its rate performance outperforms most existing electrodes those contain NiSx, CoSx, or NiCo2S4. The excellent electrochemical performance of the NiCo2S4 NWs/GF electrode is attributed to its unique composition, smaller size, and porous nanowires that can reduce the diffusion length of e- and Na+, and enhance reaction kinetics.

An analytical solution for vibro-acoustic characteristics of sandwich panel with 3DGrF core and FG-CNT reinforced polymer composite face sheets

This paper presents the analytical solution on vibro-acoustic characteristics of three-dimensional graphene foam core and functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer face sheet (3DGrFC-CNTRPFS) sandwich panel. Stress resultants of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite face sheets and 3D graphene foam core are determined by integrating their relevant stress expressions over the thickness of the face sheet and core, respectively. Further, this stress resultants are used in the equation based on Hamilton's principle to develop the governing equation. The third-order shear deformation theory is used to capture the effect of transverse shear in dynamic response. Based on mode superposition principle, the vibration response is calculated. This vibration response is given as an input to the Rayleigh integral to calculate the sound radiation characteristics. The study focuses on capturing the acoustic characteristics by varying the porosity coefficient of 3D graphene foam in the core while the carbon nanotubes are varied along with the thickness of the face sheets. The detailed analysis of the effect of the various functionally graded pattern of carbon nanotube and porosity coefficient of 3D graphene foam on acoustic characteristics is studied and the results are discussed.

Advanced Engineering for Cathode in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries: Flexible 3D Hierarchical Porous Architecture Design and Its Functional Modification

AbstractModern technology constantly requires smaller, more efficient lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs). To meet this need, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is used to create an innovative cathode design with both a hierarchical porous nanostructure and a 3D flexible macroscopical morphology. This method employs architectural optimization to further improve cathodic ORR and OER performance via heteroatom doping, surface‐sprouted carbon nanofibers (CNFs) grafting, and boundary exposing. The cathode consists of a 3D hierarchical porous graphene foam (PGF), along with RuO2 nanoparticles impregnated and nitrogen doped CNFs (RuO2@NCNFs), where the PGF serves as a structural support and cathodic current collector, and the RuO2@NCNFs work as a superior bi‐functional catalyst. The cathode delivers an outstanding discharge capacity of 8440 mAh gcathode−1 while maintaining a recharge plateau at ≈4.0 V, and can cycle for over 700 rounds without obvious degeneration under a fixed capacity. Notably, this free‐standing cathode can be directly used in LOBs without the need for additional substrates or current collectors. Therefore, the current densities and capacities herein are calculated based on the total weight of the cathodes. These results demonstrate the RuO2@NCNFs‐PGF cathode's remarkable potential for LOB applications, and this rational cathodic structure may be extended to other highly efficient catalyst applications.

Highly sensitive piezoresistive pressure sensors based on laser-induced graphene with molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles

Wearable pressure sensors have drawn significant attention because of their extensive applications in motion detection, tactile sensing, and health monitoring. However, the complex manufacturing process and high cost of active materials make low-cost, large-scale production elusive. In this work, we report a flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor assembled with two 3D laser-induced graphene (LIG) foam electrodes on a polyimide thin film from a simple laser scribing process in the ambient environment. The design of the air gap between the two foam electrodes allows the sensor to showcase a low limit of detection of 0.274 Pa, which provides favorable sensing performance in motion detection and wrist pulse monitoring. The addition of spherical MoS2 nanoparticles between the two foam electrodes further enhances the sensitivity to 88 kPa−1 and increases the sensing range to significantly outperform the previous literature reports. The demonstrated LIG pressure sensors also exhibit fast response/recovery rates and excellent durability/repeatability.

Nanorod FeS2 on 3D graphene foam for sodium-ion battery with markable excellent electrochemical performance

Nanorod FeS2 on 3D graphene foam for sodium-ion battery with markable excellent electrochemical performance

High-energy all-in-one micro-supercapacitors based on ZnO mesoporous nanosheet-decorated laser-induced porous graphene foams

Micro-supercapacitors with high power density and stability promise emerging energy storage devices. However, their relatively low energy density and poor mechanical stability largely restricts their application. Here, we report an all-in-one planar micro-supercapacitor (MSC) using ZnO nanosheets anchored on the porous and 3D laser-induced porous graphene foams (ZnO@LIG) as the electrode materials. Due to the 3D networks, the hybrid electrode exhibits fast charge transfer and diffusion channels. More importantly, the hybrid approach can simultaneously take advantage of double-layer capacitance and faradaic energy storage mechanisms. The ZnO@LIG electrode displays a high specific capacitance of 14.7 F cm−2, remarkable rate capability and cycling stability. Furthermore, the MSC showcases high energy density (10.0 Wh kg−1), high power density (0.5 Wh kg−1), long-term stability, and excellent mechanical stability upon bending. The excellent performance parameters of the MSC make it one of the promising micropower sources for flexible microelectronics.Graphic abstract

Engineering Graphene‐Ceramic 3D Composite Foams by Freeze Drying

A 3D graphene foam produced by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique is recognized as an effective nanofiller material, as it does not agglomerate in the matrix. Though CVD facilitates pristine graphene foam production, the method poses limitations in developing large‐scale 3D graphene composite foams as advanced engineering materials. Herein, a freeze‐drying (FD) process is used to produce a composite 3D foam, which is a mixture of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) and a low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC). The freeze‐dried GNP‐LTCC reticulated 3D composite foam has an average pore size ranging from 70 to 100 μm. Pore size is varied by regulating the heat transfer rate during the freezing process using a thermally conductive aluminum (Al) mold and a thermally insulating acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) mold. Computational thermal modeling is used to visualize the heat transfer and its effect on foam pore size. Subsequently, a freeze‐dried GNP‐LTCC composite foam is embedded into the LTCC matrix to form a hierarchical assembly by a spark plasma technique without compromising the 3D structure of the FD foam. This study established that a simple, eco‐friendly, and scalable processing methodology can produce advanced graphene‐based 3D composite foams as the future tailorable nanofillers for designing multimatrix materials.

Microporous Layer Containing CeO2-Doped 3D Graphene Foam for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells at Varying Operating Conditions.

To improve the interfacial mass-transfer efficiency, microporous layers (MPLs) containing CeO2 nanorods and the CeO2 nano-network were prepared for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In order to minimize the contact resistance, the three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam (3D-GF) was used as the carrier for the deposition of CeO2 nanorods and the nano-network. The CeO2-doped 3D-GF anchored at the interface between the catalyst layer and microporous layer manufactured several novel functional protrusions. To evaluate the electrochemical property, the normal MPL, the MPL containing raw 3D-GF, and MPLs containing different kinds of CeO2-doped 3D-GF were used to assemble the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Measurements show that the CeO2-doped 3D-GF improved the reaction kinetics of the cathode effectively. In addition, the hydrophilic CeO2-doped 3D-GF worked as the water receiver to prevent the dehydration of MEAs at dry operating condition. Besides, at a high current density or humid operating condition, the CeO2-doped 3D-GF provided the pathway for water removal. Compared with the CeO2 nanorods, the CeO2 nano-network on 3D-GF revealed a higher adaptability at varying operating conditions. Hence, such composition and structure design of MPL is a promising strategy for the optimization of high-performance PEMFCs.

A three-dimensional nerve guide conduit based on graphene foam/polycaprolactone

In this study, a novel nerve guide conduit was developed, based on a three-dimensional (3D) graphene conductive core grown, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coupled with a polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer coating. Firstly, the monolithic 3D-graphene foam (3D-GF) was synthesized on Ni foam templates via inductive heating CVD, subsequently, Ni/Graphene samples were dipped successively in PCL and cyclododecane (CDD) solutions prior to the removal of Ni from the 3D-GF/PCL scaffold in FeCl3. Our results showed that the electrical conductivity of the polymer composites reached to 25 S.m-1 after incorporation of 3D-GF. Moreover, the mechanical properties of 3D-GF/PCL composite scaffold were enhanced with respect to the same geometry of PCL scaffolds. The wettability, surface porosity, and morphology did not show any significant changes, while the PC12 cell proliferation and extension were increased for the developed 3D-GF/PCL nanocomposite. It can be concluded that 3D-GF/PCL nanocomposites could be good candidates to utilize as a versatile system for the engineering of peripheral nerve tissue.

Worm-like Au nanoparticles anchored to 3D graphene foam for efficient and selective CO2 reduction

Highly efficient and selective conversion of CO2 into a reusable form is desirable to the sustainable production of valuable chemicals out of greenhouse gases. Metal-based electrocatalysts often suffer from poor product selectivity for CO2 reduction, and the activity is always limited to a narrow potential range. In this study, the worm-like Au nanoparticles anchored to three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam were synthesized via a potential-cycling method, termed as Au/GF. It can high-efficient catalyze CO2 reduction to CO in aqueous 0.1 M KHCO3 at the potential range of −0.2 V to −0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE). At −0.5 V vs RHE, the reduction Faradaic efficiency (FE) reaches 92% and stays at this level for 48 h without any noticeable decay. The work promotes a facile strategy for nano-Au electrode production toward efficient and selective CO2 reduction to CO.

Free and forced vibration analysis of 3D graphene foam truncated conical microshells

This paper analyzes the free and forced vibrations of three-dimensional graphene foam (3D-GrF) truncated conical microshells. Different distributions of the 3D-GrF are considered. In accordance with Love’s thin shell theory and the modified couple stress theory, governing equations which consider the size effect are established by the Hamilton’s principle. Then, vibration characteristics of 3D-GrF truncated conical microshells are studied through the Galerkin’s method. A series of results show that the apex angle, the 3D-GrF distribution, the foam coefficient, the circumferential wave number and the material length scale parameter play important roles on vibration characteristics of the conical microshells.

A Facile and Scalable Approach in the Fabrication of Tailored 3D Graphene Foam via Freeze Drying.

One of the challenges in the processing of advanced composite materials with 2D reinforcement is their extensive agglomeration in the matrix. 3D architecture of 2D graphene sheets into a Graphene Foam (GrF) assembly has emerged as an effective way to overcome agglomeration. The highly reticulated network of branches and nodes of GrF offers a seamless pathway for photon and electron conduction in the matrix along with improved mechanical properties. 3D GrF nano-filler is often fabricated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique, which demands high energy, slow deposition rate, and restricting production to small scale. This work highlights freeze-drying (FD) technique to produce 3D graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) foam with a similar hierarchical structure to the CVD GrF. The FD technique using water as the main chemical in 3D GNP foam production is an added advantage. The flexibility of the FD in producing GNP foams of various pore size and morphology is elucidated. The simplicity with which one can engineer thermodynamic conditions to tailor the pore shape and morphology is presented here by altering the GNP solid loading and mold geometry. The FD 3D GNP foam is mechanically superior to CVD GrF as it exhibited 1280 times higher elastic modulus. However, thermal diffusivity of the FD GNP foam is almost 0.5 times the thermal diffusivity of the CVD GrF due to the defects in GNP particles and pore architecture. The versatility in GNP foam scalability and compatibility to form foam of other 1D and 2D material systems (e.g., carbon nanotubes, boron nitride nanotubes, and boron nitride nanoplatelets) brings a unique dimensionality to FD as an advanced engineering foam development process.

Fabrication of 3D monolithic graphene foam/polycaprolactone porous nanocomposites for bioapplications

Aiming at the production of light, porous, conductive, biosafe composites, in this paper we are presenting a novel fabrication method for monolithic, three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam (GF)/porous polymer composites. The synthesis adopts a novel process architecture by using Ni foam templates in an inductive heating chemical vapor deposition growth process, and by removing Ni chemically while retaining graphene integrity by the reversible application of cyclododecane (CD); finally, nondestructive coating procedures with polycaprolactone (PCL) solutions have been developed. The composites can be optimized to enhance electrical conduction, flexibility and mechanical properties, while mixing PCL and CD allows to coat the GF with a novel mesoporous polymer coating. By tuning the GF properties, the typical electrical resistance of the 3D forms can be reduced to a few 10 s of Ohms, values that are maintained after the PCL coatings. The current study achieved a GF fraction ranging between 1 and 7.3 wt%, with even the lower graphene content composites showing acceptable electrical and mechanical properties. The properties of these conductive 3D-GF/PCL composites are in line with the requirements for applications in the field of nerve tissue engineering.Graphical abstract

Gold nanoparticles modified graphene foam with superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity for oil-water separation

Leakage accidents often occur during the production, transportation, and use of petroleum products, which is a common and serious environmental issue. It is of great significance and challenge to develop efficient materials for oil-water separation. This article introduces a simple and feasible method to prepare high-performance 3D graphene foam (GF) oil-absorbing material. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are loaded on the surface of graphene foam by ion sputtering and then modified with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT). The prepared graphene sponge is porous with a large specific surface area and excellent water repellency (water contact angle exceeding 150°). The superhydrophobicity of the materials is due to the interaction between the rough structure of gold nanoparticles and the reduction of surface energy by PFDT. These outstanding properties make the functionalized graphene foam have excellent oil absorption capacity, which can even be as high as 25.8 g/g, and it can still maintain high separation performance after 10 cycles of recycling. It is worth noting that the preparation of the material is simple and reusable. Therefore, the prepared graphene foam has the potential as a promising absorbent for oil spill purification.

High-energy all-in-one stretchable micro-supercapacitor arrays based on 3D laser-induced graphene foams decorated with mesoporous ZnP nanosheets for self-powered stretchable systems

Micro-supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices that can complement or even replace lithium-ion batteries in wearable and stretchable microelectronics. However, they often possess a relatively low energy density and limited mechanical stretchability. Here, we report an all-in-one planar micro-supercapacitor arrays (MSCAs) based on hybrid electrodes with ultrathin ZnP nanosheets anchored on 3D laser-induced graphene foams (ZnP@LIG) arranged in island-bridge device architecture. The hybrid electrodes with a large specific surface area demonstrate excellent ionic and electrical conductivities, impressive gravimetric (areal) capacitance of 1425 F g −1 (7.125 F cm −2 ) at 1 A g −1 , and long-term stability. In addition to high energy (245 m Wh cm −2 ) and power (12.50 mW kg −1 at 145 m Wh cm −2 ) densities, the MSCAs with excellent cycling stability also showcase adjustable voltage and current outputs through serial and parallel connections of MSC cells in the island-bridge design, which also allows the system to be reversibly stretched up to 100%. Meanwhile, theoretical calculations validated by UV–vis absorption spectra partially suggest that the enhanced capacitance and rate capability may result from the improved electrical conductivity and number of adsorbed charged ions (Na + in Na 2 SO 4 aqueous electrolyte and K + in PVA/KCl gel electrolyte) on the pseudocapacitive non-layered ultrathin ZnP nanosheets. The integration of the all-in-one stretchable MSCAs with a crumpled Au-based triboelectric nanogenerator and stretchable crumpled graphene-based strain sensor demonstrates a self-powered stretchable system. The coupled design principle of electronic materials and device architecture provides a promising method to develop high-performance wearable/stretchable energy storage devices and self-powered stretchable systems for future bio-integrated electronics. • We report hybrid electrodes with ZnP nanosheets anchored on 3D laser-induced graphene foams. • The hybrid electrodes exhibit excellent ionic/electrical conductivities and long-term stability. • The hybrid electrodes with stretchable structures enable stretchable micro-supercapacitor arrays (MSCAs). • The MSCAs with adjustable voltage/current outputs can be reversibly stretched to 100%. • The integration of MSCAs with TENG and sensors demonstrates a self-powered stretchable system.

Ultra-sensitive and label-free neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin electrochemical sensor using gold nanoparticles decorated 3D Graphene foam towards acute kidney injury detection

In this work, an ultra-sensitive and highly-specific electrochemical immunosensor was developed based on three-dimensional graphene/nickel foam (GF) decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), a biomarker of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). A low NGAL limit of detection (LOD) of 42 pg/ml and a linear range (LR) of 0.05–210 ng/ml were achieved. Though several electrode platforms have been proposed, either LOD or LR are limited for each method. Our platform can achieve low LOD while keeping broad LR of sensing. Self-Assembled-Monolayer (SAM) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) were used to assist antibody binding on AuNPs. Electrochemical determination of NGAL were conducted using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry on ferri/ferrocyanide redox measurement. Specificity was tested for NGAL detection against uric acid and creatinine interference. The attained performances might be ascribed to large specific surface area of GF and AuNPs, improved electron transfer from analyte via graphene‑nickel‑gold electric dipole enhancement. The results demonstrated the proposed platform was potential for ultra-sensitive, highly specific, non-invasive and real-time electrochemical detection of NGAL.

Review on synthesis of three-dimensional graphene skeletons and their absorption performance for oily wastewater.

Water pollution is a global environmental problem that affects the ecosystem severely. Treatment of oily wastewater and organic pollutants is a major challenge that waits to be solved as soon as possible. Adsorbing is one of the most effective strategies to deal with this problem. Three-dimensional (3D) porous adsorbents made of graphene or graphene-based nanomaterials skeletons had attracted more attention in wastewater treatment because of their large surface area, high porosity, low density, high chemical/thermal stability, and steady mechanical properties, which allow different pollutants to easily access and diffuse into 3D networks of adsorbents. This work presents an extensive summarization of recent progress in the synthesis methodologies and microstructures of 3D graphene foams and 3D graphene-based foams and highlights their adsorption performance for oils and organic solvents. Advantages and disadvantages of various preparation strategies are compared and the corresponded structures of these skeletons are studied in detail. Furthermore, the effects of the structures on oil-adsorption properties are analyzed and some data and parameters of the oil-adsorption properties are listed and studied for easier comparison. At last, the future research directions and technical challenges are prospected, which is hoped that the researchers will be inspired to develop the new graphene-based adsorbents.

Acoustic response behavior of porous 3D graphene foam plate

Sound radiation and sound transmission loss (STL) behavior of porous 3D graphene (3D-GrF) foam plate are presented. Two variable refined plate theory which includes both transverse bending and shear stresses is used to model the plate and Navier’s solution is used to calculate the vibration responses while Rayleigh integral is used to analyze the acoustic response. Variation in free vibration frequencies with the nature of porosity distribution is significant for the 3D-GrF plates having higher porosity co-efficient. The natural frequency of the 3D-GrF plate with more porosity around the center and less porosity at the outer surfaces is high. However, resonant amplitudes of the responses and STL of the plates are controlled by both the nature of the porosity distribution pattern and porosity co-efficient. In general, STL of the plate with less porosity around the center and high porosity at the extreme surfaces is high compared to the other cases.