Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Synthesis and Functionalization of 3D Nano-graphene Materials: Graphene Aerogels and Graphene Macro Assemblies
Published on: November 5, 2015
A Simple Route to Porous Graphene from Carbon Nanodots for Supercapacitor Applications
Volker Strauss1,2, Kris Marsh1,2, Matthew D Kowal1,2
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
Abstract:
A facile method to convert biomolecule-based carbon nanodots (CNDs) into high-surface-area 3D-graphene networks with excellent electrochemical properties is presented. Initially, CNDs are synthesized by microwave-assisted thermolysis of citric acid and urea according to previously published protocols. Next, the CNDs are annealed up to 400 °C in a tube furnace in an oxygen-free environment. Finally, films of the thermolyzed CNDs are converted into open porous 3D turbostratic graphene (3D-ts-graphene) networks by irradiation with an infrared laser. Based upon characterizations using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, a feasible reaction mechanism for both the thermolysis of the CNDs and the subsequent laser conversion into 3D-ts-graphene is presented. The 3D-ts-graphene networks show excellent morphological properties, such as a hierarchical porous structure and a high surface area, as well as promising electrochemical properties. For example, nearly ideal capacitive behavior with a volumetric capacitance of 27.5 mF L-1 is achieved at a current density of 560 A L-1 , which corresponds to an energy density of 24.1 mWh L-1 at a power density of 711 W L-1 . Remarkable is the extremely fast charge-discharge cycling rate with a time constant of 3.44 ms.
Related Concept Videos
Routes of Persuasion
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon Skeletons
Carbonation Shrinkage
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction...
Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
Routes of Drug Administration: Overview
Enteral administration refers to drugs absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. They can be swallowed (perorally), placed under the tongue (sublingually), or on the inner lining of the cheeks (buccally). Perorally administered drugs take time to be absorbed and have a slower onset of action. The rectal route is another form of enteral administration, which allows for...

