Architecture and Applications of Functional Three-Dimensional Graphene Networks

As the fi rst atomic-thick two-dimensional crystalline material, graphene has continuouslycreated a wonder land in materials science within the past decade. Anumber of methods have been developed for preparation and functionalizationof single-layered graphene nanosheets (GNS), which are essential building blocksfor the bottom-up architecture of various graphene based nanomaterials.

Th eassembly of functionalized GNS into three-dimensional (3D) porous graphenenetworks represents a novel approach. Resulting 3D porous graphene materialsposses unique physicochemical properties such as large surface areas, goodconductivity and mechanical strength, high thermal stability and desirable fl exibility,which altogether makes this new type of porous materials be highly attractivefor a wide range of applications.

In this chapter, we will cover some crucialaspects of porous graphene networked materials based on the accomplishmentsrecently reported. Th e chapter will include: (1) a brief introduction to grapheneand its nanocomposites, (2) the major methods to assemble 3D porous graphenenetworks, (3) structural characteristics of 3D porous graphene, (4) some typicalexamples of their applications in sensors and energy devices, and (5) conclusions,remaining challenges and outlooks.