Multiple functional base-induced highly ordered graphene aerogels

Abstract

Graphene aerogels with aligned and continuous channels are of great significance in the fields of mechanical engineering, energy storage and environmental remediation. However, due to the lack of a microstructure to control pores, graphene aerogels have poor mechanical properties, poor adsorption properties and low practicality. Here, we have developed a base-induced method for easily obtaining highly ordered graphene aerogels (HOGAs) with excellent properties. The HOGA demonstrates a high compressive strength of 32 kPa under the strain of 70%. What's more, after a huge compressive strain of 95% repeated 10 times, the maximum stress and height remain unchanged. Owing to the ultra-high elasticity, excellent mechanical properties and stable force-electrical conversion characteristics, the HOGA is used to prepare a stress/strain sensor, which can substitute for sensing human movement and distinguish different walking postures. In addition, the HOGA possesses an ultra-fast adsorption rate (83 g g⁻¹ s⁻¹) for organic solvents making it an ideal candidate for environmental remediation.