Highly compressible 3D periodic graphene aerogel microlattices

Highly compressible 3D periodic graphene aerogel microlattices

22 Apr 2015 | Cheng Zhu, T. Yong-Jin Han, Eric B. Duoss, Alexandra M. Golobic, Joshua D. Kuntz, Christopher M. Spadaccini & Marcus A. Worsley
The article presents a novel method for fabricating highly compressible 3D periodic graphene aerogel microlattices using direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technology. The key challenge was developing a printable GO (graphene oxide) ink with the necessary rheological properties to ensure reliable flow and shape integrity during printing. By modifying the GO suspension with silica fillers, the ink was made highly viscous and non-Newtonian, enabling it to be printed into complex structures without drying prematurely. The printed microlattices exhibit excellent structural integrity and micro-architecture accuracy, with supercompressibility (up to 90% compressive strain) and high Young's moduli, which are an order of magnitude better than bulk graphene materials with comparable geometric density. The study demonstrates that the 3D printing technique can be used to fabricate a wide range of complex aerogel architectures, opening new possibilities for applications such as catalysis, desalination, and filtration. The physical properties of the 3D printed graphene aerogels, including surface area, electrical conductivity, and mechanical stiffness, were evaluated and found to meet or exceed those of bulk aerogels. The results highlight the potential of this method for creating engineered graphene structures with tailored properties for specific applications.The article presents a novel method for fabricating highly compressible 3D periodic graphene aerogel microlattices using direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technology. The key challenge was developing a printable GO (graphene oxide) ink with the necessary rheological properties to ensure reliable flow and shape integrity during printing. By modifying the GO suspension with silica fillers, the ink was made highly viscous and non-Newtonian, enabling it to be printed into complex structures without drying prematurely. The printed microlattices exhibit excellent structural integrity and micro-architecture accuracy, with supercompressibility (up to 90% compressive strain) and high Young's moduli, which are an order of magnitude better than bulk graphene materials with comparable geometric density. The study demonstrates that the 3D printing technique can be used to fabricate a wide range of complex aerogel architectures, opening new possibilities for applications such as catalysis, desalination, and filtration. The physical properties of the 3D printed graphene aerogels, including surface area, electrical conductivity, and mechanical stiffness, were evaluated and found to meet or exceed those of bulk aerogels. The results highlight the potential of this method for creating engineered graphene structures with tailored properties for specific applications.
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