Nanofiber enhanced graphene–elastomer with unique biomimetic hierarchical structure for energy storage and pressure sensing

Abstract

Owing to its mechanical flexibility and high charge-transfer rate, Graphene-elastomer with multiscale architecture design hold great promise in pressure sensing and energy storage. Herein, we report a straightforward and sustainable method to fabricate lightweight and resilient graphene/cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC) aerogel (GCA) monoliths. Mimicking the vein-like texture of nature, the resulting materials with oriented nanofibers and porous can rapidly recover from compression (up to 95% strain). Inspired by the nanofiber alignment, we assemble 0D sulfur nanoparticles (S-NPs) into 3D GCA matrix as a sulfur immobilizer for electrode material design. Accordingly, a high reversible discharge capacity (1048mAh/g at 0.5C) with a low capacity fading (0.06% per cycle) are achieved when the S-NPs/GCA is used as the cathode of LiS batteries (LSBs). These features undoubtedly could enable the graphene/nanofiber elastomers to play a vital role in the future attractive applications of wearable devices and electronic skins.

Keywords

• Nanocrystal cellulose
• Graphene aerogel
• Lithium‑sulfur battery