Graphene and boron nitride foams for smart functional applications

Abstract

Graphene and boron nitride (BN) foams, as two types of three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterials consisting of two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets, can inherit a series of excellent properties of the 2D individuals. The internal 3D network can prevent aggregation or restacking between isolated graphene or BN nanosheets, and provide a highway for phonon/electron transports. Moreover, the interconnected porous structure creates a continual channel for the mass exchange of exotic species. The light-element graphene and BN foams can thus possess the characteristics of low density, high porosity, high surface area, and excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Benefiting from these advantages, they show a wide range of applications. The usual synthesis methods and the recent functional applications of graphene and BN foams are reviewed herein, including their applications as supporting materials, elastic materials, acoustic shielding materials, thermal interface materials, electromagnetic shielding materials, adsorption materials, electrocatalysis and thermal catalyses materials, electrochemical energy storage, and thermal energy storage materials. Current challenges and outlooks are additionally discussed.