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Solvent-free thermoplastic foaming for superelastic graphene monoliths

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  • Zeshen Li

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Xiaotong Li

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Kai Pang

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Kaiwen Li

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Yue Gao

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Chengqi Zhang

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Jiahao Lu

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Yingjun Liu

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Zhen Xu

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

  • Chao Gao

    (MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University)

Abstract

Graphene monoliths with high porosity inherit extraordinary properties of graphene and establish a versatile platform to integrate diverse materials for multifunctional applications. To date, many methods have been invented to prepare graphene monoliths, including freeze-drying and templating, but these predominantly rely on fluid-based process. Direct thermoplastic foaming for graphene monoliths, as seen in the polymer industry, remains undeveloped. Here, we demonstrate a direct thermoplastic foaming strategy of a graphene monolith with high elasticity and multifunctionality. The intercalation of polymers enables the thermal plasticity of graphene oxide complex solids and allows precise control of the cellular structure of the graphene monolith. The direct thermoplastic foaming method is applicable to graphene monolith bulks, 3D-printed structures, and other 2D-nanosheets monoliths. This approach provides a facile, nontoxic, rapid and low-cost route for the industrial production of monoliths comprising graphene and various nanomaterials.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeshen Li & Xiaotong Li & Kai Pang & Kaiwen Li & Yue Gao & Chengqi Zhang & Jiahao Lu & Yingjun Liu & Zhen Xu & Chao Gao, 2025. "Solvent-free thermoplastic foaming for superelastic graphene monoliths," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61123-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61123-3
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