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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Synthesis and Functionalization of 3D Nano-graphene Materials: Graphene Aerogels and Graphene Macro Assemblies
Published on: November 5, 2015
A facile approach to ultralight and recyclable 3D self-assembled copolymer/graphene aerogels for efficient oil/water
Shumei Zhang1, Guijun Liu1, Yue Gao2
1Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266000, PR China.
Abstract:
In this paper, a facile approach was developed for highly effective oil/water separation by incorporating of the dimethyldiallylammonium chloride acrylamide polymer (P(AM-DMDAAC)) into graphene aerogels. The functionalized 3D graphene aerogel integrated a series of excellent physical properties, including low density (11.4 mg/cm3), large specific surface area (206.591 m2/g), and great hydrophobicity (contact angle of 142.7°). The modified aerogel showed excellent adsorption capacity for oils and organic solvents (up to 130 g/g). The saturation can be reached in a short time and the adsorption capacity remained nearly unchanged after repeated heating cycles. Meanwhile, we found a simple method to achieve controlled wettability transition of P(AM-DMDAAC)/graphene aerogels (PGAs) by changing the pH values. The hydrophobic PGA prepared at pH 2.03 showed outstanding oil/water separation performance (130 g/g). As the pH increased, the oil adsorption capabilities of PGAs decreased slightly, but the adsorption performance for the hydrophilic organic dye was significantly improved. Therefore, as a recyclable and efficient water purification material, the sustainable and environment-friendly polymer-modified graphene aerogel has great application potential.
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