Graphene-based hydrogels utilize graphene as a filler to blend with various molecules, which have many features of graphene such as excellent mechanical properties, optical properties, high thermal conductivity, and high electrical conductivity. Graphene-based hydrogels have application potential in many fields such as biosensors, energy storage, biomedicine, wastewater treatment, etc.
Preparation
The preparation of graphene-based hydrogels rely on graphene oxide (GO), and the methods include self-assembly method and mixed solution method.
| Self-assembly method |
| Self-assembly method means that the basic structure of GO is spontaneously translated into a stable 3D graphene structure under the interaction of non-covalent π-π bond. Various self-assembly methods such as hydrothermal process, chemical reduction, and metal ion induced process have been developed for graphene-based hydrogels. Some unique structures and properties can be obtained by self-assembly methods, such as porous network structures and ultra-low density. |
| Mixed solution method |
| Mixed solution method refers to the technique of preparing graphene-based hydrogels by mixing GO and aqueous solutions. This method overcomes the challenge that single graphene sheets easily cause agglomeration in the process of preparation and application. This is because there are many groups on the surface of GO, which makes it very dispersible in polar solvents (water, ethanol, DMF, and so on). |
Applications
Graphene-based hydrogels are similar to natural soft tissues, thus, they have attracted much attention as biomaterials. Jing et al[1]. prepared the GO/chitosan composite hydrogels by incorporating protein polydopamine (PDA), which could improve cellular activities and proliferation of human enhancers of filamentation 1 (HEF1) and cardiomyocytes (CMs).
Hydrogels are insoluble in water and can effectively adsorb a large number of chemicals. The adsorptive abilities and adsorptive selectivity of hydrogels can be further improved by the huge specific surface area and electronegativity of graphene. Therefore, graphene-based hydrogels have shown a perfect foreground applied in sewage treatment and dye absorption.
In addition to the above applications, graphene-based hydrogels also have broad application prospects in supercapacitors, catalyst carriers, and intelligent responses for microfluidic systems.
Our Products
Alfa Chemistry is a leading global supplier of hydrogels. Our experienced scientists focus on the production and performance improvement of graphene-based hydrogels . Our products include but are not limited to the following. Please contact us to customize the graphene-based hydrogels you need, and we will provide you with high quality products according to your detailed requirements.
- Graphene hydrogel
- Graphene oxide (GO)/chitosan composite hydrogel
- pH sensitive sodium alginate/graphene oxide (GO) composite hydrogel
- Graphene oxide (GO)/sodium alginate composite hydrogel
- Polyacrylic acid/graphene oxide (GO) composite hydrogel
Reference
- Jing, X.; et al. Mussel inspired electroactive chitosan/graphene oxide composite hydrogel with rapid self-healing and recovery behavior for tissue engineering. Carbon. 2017, 125: 557-570.
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