On the Gelation of Graphene Oxide

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) has been recognized as a unique two-dimensional building block for various graphene-based supramolecular architectures. In this article, we systematically studied the three-dimensional self-assembly of GO sheets in aqueous media to form hydrogels. The gelation of GO can be promoted by different supramolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding, π-stacking, electrostatic interaction, and coordination. Furthermore, the lateral dimensions of GO sheets also have strong influences on GO gelation. The resulting GO hydrogels exhibited low critical gelation concentrations and good reversibility upon chemical stimulations. These findings indicate that GO has rich supramolecular properties, and its hydrogels may have a variety of technological applications.