High Surface Area, sp(2)-Cross-Linked Three-Dimensional Graphene Monoliths.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemistry

Background:

• Developing 3D graphene assemblies for electrodes is crucial.
• Current methods using van der Waals forces limit bulk properties.
• Achieving properties of individual graphene sheets in 3D assemblies remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize sol-gel chemistry for creating chemically bonded 3D graphene assemblies.
• To control the bulk properties of graphene-based aerogels.
• To bridge the gap between individual graphene sheet properties and bulk assembly properties.

Main Methods:

• Employing sol-gel chemistry to form chemical bonds between graphene sheets.
• Synthesizing graphene-based aerogels.
• Adjusting synthetic parameters to tune surface area, pore volume, and pore size.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful introduction of chemical bonding (sp2 vs sp3) between graphene sheets.
• Achieved control over surface area, pore volume, and pore size.
• Developed graphene aerogels with bulk properties significantly improved towards individual sheet performance.

Conclusions:

• Sol-gel chemistry offers a viable route to chemically cross-linked 3D graphene aerogels.
• This approach enables precise control over aerogel properties.
• The developed graphene aerogels approach the theoretical surface area of individual graphene sheets in a 3D structure.