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Synthesis and Functionalization of 3D Nano-graphene Materials: Graphene Aerogels and Graphene Macro Assemblies
Published on: November 5, 2015
Graphene-Based Functional Architectures: Sheets Regulation and Macrostructure Construction toward Actuators and Power
Huhu Cheng1,2, Yaxin Huang1, Gaoquan Shi2
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology, Ministry of Education of China; State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, PR China.
This study details methods to regulate graphene through chemical modification and microstructure control, enhancing its properties for advanced functional materials. These regulated graphene materials show promise in energy conversion devices like actuators and generators.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Graphene, a 2D material, offers exceptional properties like high carrier mobility and mechanical strength.
- Limitations such as lack of a band gap, poor dispersibility, and low reactivity restrict graphene's applications.
- Chemical and microstructural modifications are crucial for unlocking graphene's full potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive overview of graphene regulation strategies.
- To explore the development of macroscopic graphene architectures from modified sheets.
- To highlight applications in functional systems, particularly energy conversion devices.
Main Methods:
- Chemical regulation: Heteroatom doping to open the band gap and surface modification for improved dispersibility and functionality.
- Microstructure control: Engineering graphene into quantum dots, nanoribbons, and nanomeshes to induce unique properties.
- Assembly techniques: Dimension-confined strategy, filtration, and hydrothermal treatment to create macroscopic graphene fibers, films, and frameworks.
Main Results:
- Chemically regulated graphene exhibits tunable electronic properties and enhanced reactivity.
- Microstructure-controlled graphene demonstrates unique quantum confinement and edge effects.
- Assembled macroscopic structures from regulated graphene sheets show potential in actuators and energy harvesting devices.
Conclusions:
- Graphene regulation via chemical and microstructural control is effective in overcoming inherent limitations.
- Designed macroscopic assemblies of graphene offer a versatile platform for functional devices.
- Further research into graphene regulation and assembly is vital for advancing energy conversion technologies and beyond.
