Aerographene
Aerographene or graphene aerogel is, as of March 2013, the least dense solid known, at 160 g/m3 (0.0100 lb/cu ft), less than helium. (The cited density does not include the weight of the air incorporated in the structure: it does not float in air). It is approximately 7.5 times less dense than air.[1] It was developed at Zhejiang University. Allegedly the material can be produced at the scale of cubic meters.[2][3]
Properties
Aerographene contains carbon nanotube supports on the inside. These are surrounded by a graphene exterior.[1] Aerographene is an elastic foam.[4] Its density is such that blocks of it can be balanced on small plants and plant structures such as flowers and grasses.[5]
Discovery
Aerographene was discovered at Zhejiang University by a team of scientists led by Gao Chao. He and his team had already successfully created macroscopic materials made out of graphene. These materials were one-dimensional and two-dimensional. However, when synthesizing aerographene, the scientists instead created a three-dimensional structure. The synthesis was accomplished by the freeze-drying of carbon nanotube solutions[1] and large amounts of graphene oxide. Residual oxygen was then removed chemically.
Construction
One method employs freeze drying that can yield graphene sponges of arbitrary size.[2] As of 2013, however, aerographene is usually produced in amounts on the order of cubic centimeters.[5]
Applications
Aerographene has potential applications for cleaning up oil spills, able to mop up 900 times its weight in oil.[1] Needs original source.
See also
References
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