Mechanically robust honeycomb graphene aerogel multifunctional polymer composites

• Published in: Carbon (New York) Vol. 93; pp. 659 - 670
• Main Authors: Zhang, Qiangqiang, Xu, Xiang, Li, Hui, Xiong, Guoping, Hu, Han, Fisher, Timothy S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2015
• Subjects: Aerogels; Carbon; Contact angle; Graphene; Silicone resins; Strain; Thermal properties; Three dimensional
• ISSN: 0008-6223; 1873-3891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2015.05.102

This work reports the fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional (3D) graphene aerogel (GA)–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites (GAPC) with outstanding mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. GAPC was fabricated by impregnating 3D GA frameworks with PDMS via ice-bath-assisted infiltration and vacuum curing processes. Because of the well-interconnected 3D GA frameworks, GAPC exhibits extremely large deformability (compressive strain=80% and tensile strain=90%), high electrical and thermal conductivities (1S/cm and 0.68W/(mK), respectively), a stable piezo-resistance effect, rapid electric Joule heating performance ((dT/dt)max>3°C/s under a heating power of 12W/cm3), and high hydrophobicity (contact angle=135°). Furthermore, GAPC exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of expansion with decreased electrical resistivity over a broad temperature range, indicating a typical semiconducting behavior and a dual two-dimensional/3D hopping conduction mechanism.